It’s that time of year when most of us make our New Year’s resolutions. We will get fit, quit smoking, stop drinking too much, overeating, get a life, a lover, consume less etc. You get my drift. Yet how many of us are able to fulfill them?
I have decided to pare mine down this year. Instead of setting a number of unattainable goals, I am focusing on small realistic ones that I can see to fruition. Rather than set myself up for failure, I am writing down specific goals for various areas in my life. The writing down makes the goal offical so it is more likely to occur. I also keep the goal in a visible place so I can remember it!
For example, in my group fitness classes I want to recapture a sense of fun and playfulness. Too many parts of us tend to strive. They lose sight of the joy inherent in just doing and being in the moment. These parts are more dominant, while our playful parts may be squandered at the expense of our strivers that want us to get fit in 8 weeks. I have been guilty of striving to perfection.
The moment my strivers began to relax, I noticed wonderful things start to happen. I became less critical and judgemental of myself, and of others too. This opened up a space for more spontaneity and playfulness. I was able to begin to slow down and notice when my strivers were acting up. They would push me to execise more when I wanted and needed a break. They feared that if I didn’t exercise I may gain some weight. I wanted and needed a day off and so I took it. Voila – a well needed rest and I am refreshed.
My mantra this year is – less striving – more playing! What’s yours?
