New Year's Resolutions: We're Doing It Wrong
This month, Kathy and Jyl take a deep dive into their New Year's Resolutions. Just kidding, no diving necessary as we learned something about each other:
Neither of us approaches the New Year with an unachievable punch list that will put us under unnecessary pressure.
You shouldn't either. Why? Check out this research from the Google:
Research suggests that only 9% of Americans who make resolutions complete them.
Research shows that 23% of people quit their resolution by the end of the first week, 43% quit by the end of January, and all but that dwindling 9% quit.
Why?
Many resolutions are created based on tradition rather than need. "Need" is much more motivating and that need may not come until a random date in the future like July 23rd. Wait until then.
Obstacles. For many, obstacles are a dream killer when it comes to resolutions. A missed day at the gym due to snow, a sale on Ben & Jerry’s and suddenly, wait, what was your resolution?
Size matters. Many create resolutions that are simply too big. Life updates should be done in small chunks so that one might feel several hints of success over a longer period rather than continue eyeing some unlikely win.
Accountability. Who needs it?
Resolutions are for those still full of hope and energy and the ability to stick to something. Not that we're not, but, well...
Thoughts from Jyl:
I realized that New Year's resolutions were yet another way I could spend months beating myself up for not reaching success. My current approach is tiered with a few goals that are slam dunks, a couple that are challenging, and one stretch goal, such as writing a book (or in this 2024's case, publishing an audiobook).
Thoughts from Kathy:
I put a twist on the traditional resolution this year by digging into things I want to rid myself of in 2024. This was a group activity with friends and, after we wrote down the items/people/etc that we would be happier without, we burned those lists as we said goodbye to those things that were going to drag us down.
What we agreed on the most? Forgiveness. Yes, even (or especially) when it comes to resolutions. Forgive and Forget, you are under no pressure to perform. If you've made a resolution and it isn't working out, set it aside for a month and see if it's still important. No? Then leave it behind. You didn't need that resolution anyway.
All that being said? Of course, we did give ourselves a couple of dreams for 2024.
Jyl: Publish Audiobook (stretch goal!) | Lose the riff-raff | Wear the jewelry | Clean the pantry | Career Casual
Kathy: Start doing voiceovers | Focus on health but not in an obsessive way | Organize the freezer | Leave work at work
This episode was not sponsored by Any Adventure or Pixie & Pan Vacations so absolutely check them out!
Mentions:
Any Adventure and Pixie & Pan Vacations
Norwegian Bliss Alaskan Cruise (yes, you should come along)
Quail Ridge Bookstore
Sing When You Win by Jon Hume (Welcome to Wrexham)
What to Expect When You Weren't Expecting by Jyl Barlow
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Get to know us!
Jyl Barlow has all things Jyl! Also, it’s pronounced, “jill.”
Which Way's Up is Jyl’s blog, home of weekly epiphanies and often overshares
What to Expect When You Weren't Expecting is Jyl's best-selling memoir about her hilarious struggles as a (step)mother. Buy it online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, and Target!
Kathy Crowley's Thought for the Day (accessorized with a favorite timepiece and signature scent) can be found on Instagram. Watch videos of all our Nonsor products on YouTube or TikTok!
Wine & Whine is part of Bearlow Productions and is created Jyl Barlow and Kathy Crowley.
