And just like that, we’re in 2018. Chances are that millions of people around the globe have come with any number of possible new year’s resolutions. They’re going to quit smoking or they’re going to start going to the gym or they’ll achieve the fastest speed run in Super Mario Bros. or some other noble pursuit. And chances are a good majority of these people will give up in a couple weeks. That’s why I don’t make new year’s resolutions anymore. I choose guiding words.
As you might recall, the three guiding words that I chose for 2017 were acceptance, prioritization and completion. I chose to accept my limitations, prioritize what I wanted to do with my limited time and resources, and endeavor to complete whatever it was that I made a priority. To that end, I think I accomplished my mission.
With those words in the back of my mind, I published my third book and I completed a couple of creative challenges: posting daily on Instagram and vlogging weekly on YouTube. They didn’t quite get the traction I had hoped, but I can say with pride that I got the job done. That’s got to be worth something.
So now that we hurl ourselves headlong into a brand new year, I’ve selected three new guiding words for 2018. These words have more to do with addressing my mental health and general wellbeing, areas that I think many of us unfortunately neglect. Because if you’re not happy, does anything else really matter?
Watch the vlog above, if you haven’t done so already, to learn my three guiding words for 2018. Maybe they can be your words too.
Michael, As I listened to the vlog I thought of two words that match what you were expressing. It’s something that I started working on recently which are Trigger and Pattern. We control every action we take if we just react (Pattern) to the trigger others or the situation places in front of us. What we need to do is see the trigger, see it while not reacting with our natural Pattern. Instead, we need to create a new Pattern to that trigger like relaxing and not letting it bother us that there is not enough milk in the fridge.
I’m trying to see the Trigger then create a positive Pattern for myself this year.
That’s a great approach! First, we need to recognize how we feel (e.g., anxious). Then, we need to identify why we feel that way (e.g., not enough milk). And finally, we need to choose a new way to respond to the trigger (e.g., add milk to the shopping list and set a reminder to go grocery shopping tomorrow). That way, we can let go of the feeling and move on with our day!