New Year’s Non-Resolutions: What NOT to Do in 2023

On New Year’s Eve, I was attending a party when a wise friend questioned the annual routine of drafting resolutions. In fact, she thought the trend should be New Year’s Non-Resolutions: What NOT to Do in 2023. This got me thinking about New Year’s Resolutions, why we make them each year, and where they originated. This year, instead of documenting your typical resolutions for 2023, try creating a list of what NOT to do in 2023!

When Did New Year’s Resolutions Even Start?

Surprisingly, the act of making New Year’s resolutions dates back 4000 years ago. Combining resolutions with religion, the Ancient Bablylonians would hold long festivals, making promises to God for good behavior. This practice continued with other civilizations at the turn of each new year.

Fast forward to the early 19th century when New Year’s Resolutions became more closely related to those of today. Pledges of good moral character were often based on some form of spirituality. Yet a shift began to occur, with some resolutions based on cultural and societal values. Some people even began mocking New Year’s Resolutions. They would use them as an excuse to perform any vice up until December 31st. They would then resolve to stop such behavior in the new year, only to break them shortly thereafter.

Enter New Year’s Non-Resolutions: What NOT to Do List

Rather than make New Year’s Resolutions that may be broken down the line, consider making a list of New Year’s Non-Resolutions: What NOT to Do in 2023. Put your thinking cap on. Remember what caused you stress and anxiety in the past year. Think about what didn’t work out despite your best efforts. Consider any missteps you may have made along the way. Here are some thoughts on what NOT to do in 2023:

• Do NOT Hang Around Toxic People: Family is related by blood, but friends are in our lives by choice. A friend should lift you up, not bring you down. There can be people in our lives that we don’t realize make us feel bad about ourselves in some way. Or, they cause us anxiety, are overly judgmental, or are trying to sabotage our success. If you sense a friend doing this, perhaps it’s best to take a break. If they are a work colleague, try to avoid working on projects together and surround yourself with more positive coworkers. By creating a little distance from those toxic people, you will create a more positive new year for yourself.
• Do NOT Forget Old Friends: Sometimes we don’t see old friends for a long time, especially if they aren’t local. But they are indeed special friends, since they have known you at earlier stages of your life. They have seen you grow as a person. Reach out and arrange a reunion. You will not regret it!
• Do NOT Just Dream, Take Action: Stop dreaming and start doing! Take ACTION in what you want out of life. It’s easy to come up with ideas, but it’s far more fulfilling to see them through! If COVID taught us anything, it’s the need to grab opportunities when possible. Make travel plans, start a new hobby, move forward with that new business idea. Go for it!
• Do NOT Stay in your Comfort Zone: Do at least one thing out of your comfort zone this year. Taking the risk in whatever genre you choose will show you can accomplish anything!
• Do NOT Stick to the Same Workouts: Change up at least one aspect of your workout routine. This will bring in new energy and motivation to your weekly exercise schedule. If you aren’t exercising at all during the week, start with smaller workouts. You will establish good, healthy habits and can progress from there.
• Do NOT Stop Learning: Use your brainpower to learn a new skill, a new passion, or take a new course. It will make you more well-rounded and will exercise your memory skills (which are very important as we age!). It may even lead to another interest!
• Do NOT Always Say Yes, Just Say No: Sometimes you have to learn when to say “no”. It’s a hard thing for many of us to do. Yet, it’s essential for your own mental health and sanity at times. By overcommitting, you may stumble and burn out in the process. You are not superhuman. Be true to yourself this year. Do not feel guilty saying no. Chances are, there will be someone else to happily pick up the task.
• Do NOT Forget About YOU: It’s easy to put yourself last when juggling work, home, kids, and aging parents. Make yourself one of the priorities too. Get sleep, eat healthier, and stay hydrated. Carve out time during the week for a date with me, myself and I. You will recharge your batteries, which will in turn help you manage everything else!
• Do NOT Forget to Be Yourself: Don’t try to change yourself to be like others. Have confidence in who you are and be your own best, unique self. You are special just the way you are! As my wonderful father always said, the world would be boring if everyone was the same.

2023 Will Be Your Year

Let 2023 be your best year yet! Stay kind, be humble, enjoy life and make your mark on 2023! After all, you’re FREE AS A BIRD … IT’S YOUR TIME TO FLY!