It’s that time.

The new year.

A time when we feel like we can start over, become better, or try again.

I’m no different.  I have my same goals.  This is the year that I will simplify and organize my house.  The fact that it’s been one of my resolutions for years doesn’t matter.  No, this is definitely the year that I’m going to make it happen.

It is also the year that I am going to train for and complete a triathlon, study my scriptures better, write more, get our finances in order, eat healthier and plan ahead.  All while trying to maintain a home and raise a family.  Should be a piece of cake.  (Right?)

My husband likes to make fun of “New Year’s Resolutions.”  It’s quite easy to do.  I mean, how many of us actually follow through.  When I used to go to the gym regularly I hated January.  There were always so many people there, using the machines I was used to having all to myself.  But, I just had to wait it out.  By February I usually had my pick of almost anything in the place again.

It’s not only the fact that people rarely follow through on their resolutions that he makes fun of.  It’s also the fact that everyone does it right now.  What is so special about a new year he says?  Can’t you set goals and resolve to be better on September 6th as easily as on January 1?

For me the new year is like a breath of fresh air.  November and December are busy.  If the major holidays weren’t enough we also have 4 of the 6 birthdays in our family between Nov. 25 and Dec. 25.  I feel like I haven’t stopped in months.  But now that is all behind us.  I can slow down, take some time to plan and try to see what areas need more attention.  I can set some goals.

And like I already mentioned, most of my goals are repeats from the last new year.  Things I’ve already resolved to fix several times but have fallen short.  That isn’t a good reason for me to not set the same goal this year.  That is exactly the reason why I am resolving to do it again.  I’m pretty darn sure by next Christmas my house isn’t going to look like I’d love it to look, my waistline won’t be as small as I’d like it to be, I’ll still suck at budgeting, and even if I have completed another triathlon I will most likely be back to not taking the time to exercise every day.  I don’t see all of that as a reason not to try.

I’m not looking for perfection in my resolutions.  I’m looking for progress.  If I can set the same goal year after year and never fully achieve it but see progress along the way then that is good enough for me.  I doubt I will ever get to perfection but as long as I’m progressing I will always be getting closer.

 

(p.s. My husband sets yearly goals every January like the rest of us.)