As Daniel Caeser once sang, “We don’t punish the tiger for catching its prey, so how am I the one to blame? If it’s in my nature; Transform, Transform, Transform”
Hey, you! Yes, I am talking to you. ‘You’, who is all fueled up to make some New Year resolutions, probably 8th time in a row and partially ready to throw it all out of the window by January 10th. No, no, don’t scroll now, I caught you, didn’t I? But you’re not alone.
We all sail in the same boat of “I am ready to leave my past behind, let my bad habits die as the clock strikes 12 on December 31st and instantly transform into a human being that I can be proud of, in a matter of milliseconds.” Because that’s what New Year is supposed to shepherd right? Delusion!
New Year, New Me, really?
Our undying obsession with ‘New Year, New Me’ is nothing but us trying hard to trick our minds into believing that transformation is a nippy process. No, it’s a state of mind, not a shortcut to becoming the best version of yourself or an end goal that you achieve and brush under the carpet.
Did you ever wonder why resolutions always end in a death blow?
It’s a simple investment and returns equation. The longer and more you invest your energy, hard work, and grain into, the more fruitful your outcomes would turn out. And if the efforts are minute, laidback, and fragile, the result would be in the same tune. Although, it’s not always about time. You also need to be smart about your decisions. Learn to work smarter than harder.
Have you heard Elon Musk saying, if you give yourself 30 days to clean your home, it will take 30 days? But if you give yourself 3 hours, it will take you 3 hours. Apply it the next time you start something. Think of it in this way- if you’re passionate about something, will you wait till the end of the year or the start of the new year to initiate it or will you give it you’re all for the best possible outcome? I think our responses would be the same.
Here’s what you do now
This time, when you set out to achieve something, I want you to keep two things in mind. Be as specific as possible when it comes to framing your goals. It’s easier to say my goal in 2022 is to lose weight, but when you state a specific timeline, location, and end goal, your mind understands it much better. ‘By the end of March, I will shed 6 kgs through yoga, playing badminton and outdoor walks’.
Secondly, notice the positive connotation in the statement? Rather than saying ‘I am getting fatter by the day, I need to lose weight’, the above goal seems more like an affirmation than downgrading oneself with negative self-talk.
Try setting goals and visions for yourself, not resolutions that die quicker than a hangover after a night of reckless partying. Your habits and decisions are what make you strive. Don’t fall into this routine of failing graciously when it comes to resolutions. Metamorphosis is in our nature, so why not use it to our advantage? Strive for betterment. Isn’t that what you desired all along?
About the Author: Mahua Jaiswal is a first-year master’s student at Manipal Institute of Communication.
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