WHAT ARE YOU LEAVING BEHIND?

Leave behind that which no longer serves you.

Some housekeeping served to inspire this week’s thoughts.  A recent inspection of our home revealed the need for new insulation in the attic that runs the length of our home and in the attic above the garage.  The inspector asked, “Don’t you notice the slight temperature change when you move from the first to second floor?"  The only problem is that both attics are filled with the past; thirty years of accumulated papers, furniture, toys, etc., and I told him my knees are not yet ready to tackle such a project.  His response sealed the deal, “No problem, we will empty both attics for you, put everything in a central location (the garage), and you can go through it and put what you want to discard in the dumpster we will provide.”   That dumpster is almost filled.  It would seem that throwing out the old is a prerequisite for bringing in the new.

A New Year will soon be upon us, and if you are like countless others, you’ve already given some thought to those New Year’s Resolutions.  If you can remember, think back to the New Year’s resolutions you established last year.  How did that go for you?  A 2023 publication out of Ohio State University reveals that only 9% of Americans that make resolutions complete them. 23% of people quit their resolution by the end of the first week, and 43% quit by the end of January.  Why?

• Most resolutions are set because it is tradition. Goals should start at a time of change or need for change. 
• People forget that there will be obstacles. No matter how small or straightforward the goal is, there is always a chance for an obstacle. 
• Resolutions are grandiose and difficult to measure in the short term. What looks good on paper as a resolution can be imposing and intimidating when it comes time to begin. 
• No Accountability:  Resolutions are established, but there is no accountability.  Simply put, resolutions or goals lacking accountability are rarely achieved.

So want to try something different this year?  Instead of creating resolutions for something you probably won’t complete anyway, why not identify some attitudes, behaviors or actions that you will leave behind and not carry into the New Year.  Here's a sampling, some of which are already on my list:

• Self-Doubt:  It is normal to doubt yourself now and then, especially when you’re facing a new challenge.  However, it isn’t healthy when your self-doubt makes you feel like you are never enough or never ready to go after new experiences. 
• Clutter:  Sometimes we surround ourselves with things we like.  They may be physical or mental, but over time they become clutter representing something from our past.  Clutter holds us back.  What is cluttering up your life?  Discard it!
• Perfectionism can stall our progress and frequently lead to procrastination. One can get so caught up in the little imperfections that they never get down to business.
• Living In The Past :  We rob ourselves of enjoying the present moment or having a better future when we fixate on situations that have already happened. We can learn from  the past, but then we need to apply those lessons to our present and future.
• Excuses may sound like, “I'm not capable”, “There's no time.”,  "I'll fail again”, or “I'll start next month.”  With every excuse you make, you're limiting yourself and your achievements.
• Procrastination:  It’s easy to put things off, but all that does is add to a crowded agenda later.  It can also compromise your reputation.  When we commit to something, we must follow through on it.

These are my six.  They will work for me.  What are you leaving behind as we enter a New Year?

Happy New Year

Embrace the Challenge.