New Year or More of the Same?

No doubt, this is the time of year when the masses start posting the New Year’s rush of resolutions. Many people will be highly motivated for all of five days past the first day of January. How is it that some quickly return to the norm while others transition from a feeling into an intentional transformation? Some have learned that life is not simply a solvable puzzle, but a journey one should embrace.

The reality is, wherever people find themselves at the end of 2021 is a direct result of the patterns created long ago. Therefore, by entering this New Year with the same mentality as the last, one cannot expect anything different. Life gives back to its recipients according to the seeds planted. This can come in the form of sacrifice, self-discipline, or even servitude toward others. The absolute difference between a good person and a great one is their willingness to give of themselves. The choice of a better new year or simply more of the same lies within.

Too many folks have attempted to get ahead by mastering the art of manipulation or stepping on others. The only way to succeed is by finding a noble cause and passionately seeking to solve it. Imagine how powerful the world could be if everyone decided to direct their energy toward a purpose that will relieve the suffering of others. John Maxwell said it best:

Many aren’t winning because they just don’t know why they’re losing.

The moral of this quote is that until people identify the small behaviors that are causing them to stumble, real success or the possibility of a “new year” will remain unattainable. Everyone has blind spots, those hidden areas that still have a tangible impact. Whenever a huge semi-tractor trailer is maneuvering in tight areas, there will always be someone outside the truck lending their guidance. All people need those “spotters” who are willing to watch their back as they navigate life’s issues.

Here are a few simple, yet powerful tweaks to encourage a happier new year instead of more of the same. It is time to transition from a year of failed resolutions to one that has the power to hold more progress than the previous.

• Pursue things that are important in your world: The old saying goes, “The man who chases two rabbits catches neither.” Everyone knows another who prides themselves on being a Jack-Of-All-Trades. However, in reality, folks master a skill set, they will never cross the threshold of extraordinary. The world is waiting for an authentic contribution. The minute people realize that their gift is serving another, life takes on a new perspective. Think about anyone legendary and almost synonymous with their name is something they have mastered. In a society plagued with distractions, it is imperative that all strive to turn down the noise levels and concentrate their efforts on one task at a time.

• Engage in the current moment, not the past or present: Too many people fail to appreciate their current season. Instead, they find themselves worried about the moments to come or buried in grief from the ones that have already expired. Time has literally become the sworn enemy. Nothing is savored, yet everything is taken in haste. When does society slow down? Definitely not during the momentary hours of sleep. Many final thoughts are controlled by technology just as each waking hour. It is important to pause and celebrate the current level of blessings. Remember this, when wasting time with negative thoughts, valuable time and energy to embrace destiny is fleeting. Life throws every opportunity to be down, but the power to choose to be “up” is always within reach.

• Embrace creativity and value it at all costs: For many, their level of creativity has been denied for so long it is almost unrecognizable. Life, in general, has a way of piling layer after layer of crap on us until people no longer seek to use their gifts and talents. Instead, society tends to get lost in making a living. How backward is that? People should be operating from a perspective of having innate creativity make the way for their lives. For some, it is music, others work with meditation. Whatever releases a person’s creative flow needs to become active and utilized NOW. The world is waiting for each individual’s contribution to history and no better time to implement it than the entrance of a new year.

The only thing that is going to make the new year any better than all the others are the additional behavior patterns one is willing to put into practice. In order to eliminate more of the same and really experience a new year, change must be embraced. No longer can anyone afford to fall victim to the lie that life will automatically change because the pain of the same is too intense. That is just false! Life responds to action. It gets better when people know better, and more importantly, do better.

New year, new you, or more of the same? Unleash the power of transformation today and secure a more productive and happier new year. The choice is yours, make it happen.

Opinion by Cherese Jackson (Virginia)

Image Credits:

Top Image Courtesy of susan-lu4esm’s Pixabay Page – Creative Commons License
Featured Image Courtesy of 5598375’s Pixabay Page – Creative Commons License