It’s really hard to believe that we’re really here in 2013. It seems so futuristic. I can remember when such a date was so far into the future and now its well, here. So now that I’ve accepted the date, I guess it’s appropriate to figure out what to do with this New Year. What resolutions are appropriate for such a special date as 2013? What comes to my mind is to consider that less is really more. Ok, so this one is going to take some explanation. Well, what did you expect?
First, let’s take a look at what resolutions are meant to accomplish. We write down statements at the beginning of the year to help us resolve to do better, become a better person and thus create space to move forward in our lives. Thus, these positive statements become resolutions. I’ve even heard some people say that they don’t make resolutions so that they never have to worry about letting themselves down or failing. That’s one way to look at it. Of course, it’s the negative way. I prefer to be more positive. Remember that nothing positive starts from a negative so certainly we shouldn’t be negative about our New Year’s resolutions. With this concept in mind, let’s begin.
We must first evaluate our priorities. What is really important? If it isn’t important why would we want to worry about it in the first place? Why would we want to change it? So, what is important to you and what do you want to do about it?
Next, how do you make room for the things that you’ve listed as important? Remember the old rock in the jar trick? Put the big rocks in the jar first and then fill around the rocks with smaller pebbles and finally, fill in the empty space with sand. The big rocks are the big things in your life that you’re making room for first. The smaller pebbles are the next level items and then the sand is everything else that we might want to do with our lives. Seems pretty simple until we get going with an activity that’s just wasting time but we keep doing it any way. I’ve been guilty of researching some silly thing that I really don’t need for hours on the internet with a really hard time to break away. It can become addictive even when one knows that it’s happening. So, remember the big rocks and why they go into your jar of life first.
Back to the less is more. Fewer rocks will fit into the jar but they will be the important things in your life. Thus, in the end your will have more of what gives you pleasure in your life. Less will become more. Become aware of the time wasters like the internet surfing I described or perhaps you have your own distraction (sports on TV, or other TV programs, or perhaps more serious addictions) and do less of it.
Be sure to include your favorite people in your life. Make time to visit, socialize, talk and interact in real time rather than just texting, emailing, etc. We need to really be among and with people. Too often these days people are with technology and not interacting with their families, friends and communities. Get back to doing things with people and gain humanity. Less technology and more humanity is a really good resolution.
How can you create a New Year’s resolution for 2013 where less is more?
Joanne's StarTeacher Blog 