The common phrase “out with the old, in with the new” is especially popular at New Year’s time. You are ready for change. You want to better your life in some way because you see the mistakes and shortcomings of the previous year. You don’t want to repeat your negative moments, so you strategize ways to turn a new leaf.
I think goals and resolutions are important because it’s your opportunity to improve yourself. Still, it can be easy to look back at the negative moments with more attention than the positive memories. I’m not talking about the positive memories of the cruise you took or the new car you bought, I’m talking about positive moments of success that you accomplished, whether they were recognized by others or not.
Stop for a few minutes this New Year’s time and think of the moments that gave you a boost. Think about the moments you would hope would happen again.
My cousin Laura is one of my closest friends. She once mentioned that every goal I set for myself I was able to accomplish. I chuckled a bit when she said that because I know that there are many goals I set for myself at which I fail miserably, but the compliment she paid warmed me then and has stuck with me ever since.
Now that I am a mom, there are many things that have changed. During what I call my single decade, I used to have a long list of achievements I accomplished regularly. Since my time and attention are now focused almost entirely on my little ones, it’s easy to feel discouraged about my abilities or like a “has been.” Often at these moments I remember Laura’s words and they energize me. If I was successful before, certainly I can find a way through the obstacles I’m up against now.
As you enter this new decade, think about your past successes. You are still that successful person, even if it has been a while. Remembering what worked before is one of the ways you can find a way to make it happen again in 2010.
Since I usually read My Daily Avocado at work it struck me as funny that one of the first things I did today was look at my desk and say to myself 'out with the old and in with the new'. My desk is a mess and I want to start 2010 with a clean desk. I guess a messy desk means I've been busy at work which is good. But I can certainly use a little more organization going into 2010.
ReplyDeleteI agree that being a mommy has a very different set of rules for "accomplishments achieved". Personal goals or resolutions are easier to leave by the wayside while focusing on the family group or goals for the child.
ReplyDeleteI'm really trying to make daily/weekly/ annual goals for myself, even if they are tiny....that reminds me, my teaching license expires in Feb....hmmmmm...what to do, what to do.......??????
I remember the euphoria of accomplishment when I was going to school. And I remember that it often did not seem very glamorous or glorious being a mommy of young kids. But the long-term feeling of accomplishment from parenthood is wonderful. But I know a mommy does need short-term reminders of how special, valuable and accomplished she really is!
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