One of my yoga teachers reminded us every year, “Don’t even make New Year’s resolutions. They’re so self-defeating!” (Thank you, Amy!)
I get it. It’s easy to fall short of lofty goals and tumble into the self-disappointment vortex. Plus, the notion that we’re flawed and need improvement is painful and difficult. On top of that, I’ve found my continual self-development project is exhausting!
On the other hand, aspiration and the appetite for change are healthy too. Exploration and stretching are good for us. That’s how we find new people and things and discover our capabilities.
The effective strategy for change-making is focusing on progress, not perfection. Any time you’re tempted to embrace change, aim for tiny, incremental, building-block changes -- like baby steps. Known as “atomic habits,” or “micro habits,” baby steps break down big goals into tiny manageable steps. Think of fulfilling your intention with a trend instead of obtaining a fully formed goal. Explore your tiny changes with an attitude of joy and self-acceptance.
“I liken the process of transforming habits to turning a cargo ship at sea. A large vessel with that much momentum can’t make sharp turns. However, a one- or two-degree course correction of the rudder, if held steady, will take that ship in a very different direction over time.”
- Oren Jay Sofer, “Turning a Ship,” Tricycle magazine, September 2018 My personal list of heathy initiatives follows below. These ideas have been compiled from many varied sources over many years, and are offered to stimulate your own thinking. If one or two (no more, please!) intrigue you, please print out the attached PDF, dive in, and share your experience of exploration in the Comments section!
Cheers to your good health and wellbeing in 2022 and beyond!
Exercise or move your body for one half-hour each day
Improve sleep “hygiene”
Eat plenty of colorful fruit and vegetables daily
Drink lots of water
Check in with yourself every day (meditate, sit quietly for a few minutes, pray)
Label feelings
Walk in nature
Hug or touch someone
Call family and friends
Stay safe during the pandemic
Experience wonder, awe, and beauty on a regular basis
Open to joy
Practice meditation, gratitude, forgiveness, acceptance, or mindfulness
Develop resilience (face up to procrastination and wasting time)
Speak from the heart, speak wisely
Listen deeply
Clarify your personal values
Articulate your life’s purpose
Find meaning in your livelihood or volunteer efforts
Appreciate your life and individual gifts
Appreciate the life and gifts of others
Reduce your personal carbon footprint
Extend compassion and care to yourself
Challenge your mind, learn something new and grow
And, have you thought of . . .?
Laughter and smiling as good medicine
Spending time gazing at a tree or taking a forest bath
Taking a sound bath
Trying Yoga Nidra (yoga sleep)
Writing a letter
Creating, making art, scribbling
Dancing, singing, playing or acting goofy
Trying a simple, minimalist or less-consuming lifestyle
Or something else to try (insert your idea):
Photo: Pixabay
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