Resolutions
NYE 2023
Tyler Childers with Shovels & Rope
Rupp Arena, Lexington, KY
I love resolutions. Deciding to make yourself better might be one of the best things we can do as humans. When you do it thoughtfully, you’re looking at your past, present, and future. You think about what you’ve done in the past, what you’re doing now, and whether those actions are helping or hurting you. Then you think about the future: what are you going to start or stop doing to make your life better? Being mindful is key to making good resolutions. It’s a great chance to reflect, take stock, and prepare for a fresh start.
Why Wait?
A fresh start… That’s how most of us see the New Year. It feels like we all silently agree to try to improve ourselves at this time. "Good luck, everyone!" That’s the basic idea, right?
But why wait for the New Year? Why not start now? You don’t need a specific date to make a change. Every day is a chance to begin again. The sooner we realize that, the more power we have to improve our lives whenever we’re ready.
How to Be Mindful of Your Resolutions
When you hear that voice in your head telling you to do better, be careful. Don’t spend too much time feeling bad about the past, and don’t let negative self-talk take over. Instead, focus on your thoughts and actions with purpose.
When negative thoughts creep in—and they will—acknowledge them and focus on the facts. For example, if you’ve smoked for 30 years, no amount of regret will change the past. Instead of beating yourself up, think about the choices you have now: you can stop smoking and improve your health going forward, or you can keep smoking and risk more harm. It’s that simple.
The past can’t be undone, but today is always a chance to make a better choice. Focus on the future, not on regret.
How to Measure Success
Whether you’re making New Year’s resolutions or starting at another time, it’s important to track your progress. Set goals that are realistic and easy to measure.
And don’t give up if you slip! Resolutions aren’t about being perfect. They’re about making progress. If you mess up, don’t let negative thoughts win. Instead, learn from the mistake and keep moving forward.
When Life Changes Your Plans
Sometimes, life doesn’t go as planned, and that’s okay. Resolutions are meant to guide us, not box us in. Last year, I had resolutions I didn’t accomplish—not because I failed, but because my life changed in ways I didn’t expect. One of those changes was being inspired to write my book. Writing a book wasn’t on my list of resolutions, but it became one of the most meaningful things I achieved.
This is an important reminder: it’s okay if your goals evolve as your life changes. Resolutions should serve you, not the other way around. Be open to growth and opportunities you didn’t anticipate. Flexibility can lead to achievements you never imagined.
Tips to Stay on Track
Write It Down: Use a notebook, a whiteboard, or an app to keep track of your goals. Check it often to remind yourself.
Break It Down: Big goals can feel overwhelming. Break them into smaller steps. For example, instead of saying “get healthy,” start with actions like walking 20 minutes a day or drinking more water.
Track Progress: Celebrate small wins. Even little steps forward count as progress.
Share Your Goals: Tell a friend or join a group working on similar goals. Support and accountability can help you stay motivated.
Be Kind to Yourself: Change takes time. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Celebrate the effort, not just the results.
Resolutions are all about hope. They show that we believe we can grow and change, no matter where we’ve been or what we’ve done. Whether you start on January 1st or any other day, the most important thing is to start—with purpose, mindfulness, and kindness toward yourself. Let’s make this year, and every year, one of growth and progress.
