The idea of setting a New Year’s resolution is about attempting to do better than last year, last month, or last week. The fact that the notion sets us up to fail is an exercise in futility, for some. For others, setting goals serves as motivation to improve.
Was 2019 better than 2018 for you or worse? Perhaps it was a Goldilocks year. Whatever the case, there is always room for improvement. Did you set a resolution last year? Were you successful?
If you made it through the year and achieved a goal, or goals, kudos to you. If not, it is never too late to start again, whether the attempt ended January 2 or on any other date in 2019.
The resolution does not have to be astronomical, especially if last year proved successful. Take Powell River Villa as an example. Last year the soccer club was promoted to Division 1 of Vancouver Island Soccer League after a stellar season in Division 2. Now that the club is at the top level, its goal is to stay there, not necessarily win a championship. In other words, it is within reason.
A resolution to win something, move up in the ranks at work or lose weight all require what could be a lengthy commitment. Maybe it only takes a month to taste success, but it could take 365 days, too. Even if the goal is reached, any time in the future where it slips away may lead to further setbacks by the individual who set it. Ever lost 10 pounds and then gained 15?
Complacency leads to regression, and can result in a reached goal slipping away. Lofty resolutions require a lifestyle change to succeed, and will likely take a lifetime to see them through.
If you did something wrong in 2019, a simple formula can lead to improvement in 2020: Don’t do it again.
For instance, if you are one of the people who were involved with the shooting of an elk and leaving it to rot south of Powell River, practice on soda cans this year. The conservation officer’s service is looking for the poachers, and if found, their pocketbooks will be lighter than last year. Let’s hope it doesn’t take a financial hit for the culprits to realize how heinous, cruel and wasteful their crime was.
But everyone can strive to do better, not just criminals, even if it only builds on what they deem as a satisfactory year. Regional leaders can be more respectful to residents and each other, people can look at the other side of issues in addition to their own view, and hockey parents can be more civil toward opposition players and officials. The latter would be a good place to start for fans in particular. Don’t yell at the referee, sometimes he or she is just a kid, too.
What can you do better in 2020?
