You heard me. You’re – Not – Obligated – To – Have – A – Better – Year. Period. You’re not!
I’ve been saving that one for about eleven months. It was inspired by something author Donald Miller said on one of his webinars. I had the exact quote, but through the power of the clipboard—I lost it in cyberspace. Sigh.
If you read any of Donald’s writing, that statement might sound a little in your face. At least it did to me. Why would you not want to have a better year?
So anyway, you get the idea, right? Who says a year of getting things done and being super-productive is any better than, say a year of rest and relaxation? Or binging on your favorite binge?
Why do we attempt the Big Reset every year? Why would you torture yourself with this ritual of resolutions that lasts for exactly three weeks?
Okay, okay, I hear you. You don’t do resolutions. I don’t do them either. Honestly, I don’t. I’ll admit it took me more than a few decades, and now I can say I don’t do them.
So, why not at least try to have a better year?
Well, I think most of us do try. And we usually try hard, too.
Let’s set the stage. Seeing in the New Year seems like a positive and fruitful time for most people. It’s natural to become reflective and look for better things to come.
Take for example the past couple of years. Let’s take a trip down the memory superhighway anyway.
You know, for old time’s sake…
New Year’s Day 2020 – Seriously, is any explanation necessary? Maybe the point is we had no idea what was in store for us. Could be the standard outlook for a better year have helped us get through it all?
New Year’s Day 2021 – We were hopeful, and I think that was a good thing. Safe to say everyone was more than ready to close the curtain on 2020 as we looked forward with confident, hopeful eyes. Even though it turned out to be another tough, tough year—we pressed on.
New Year’s Day 2022 – Again, we’re hopeful. I’ve always heard that hope is not a strategy. It’s hope that keeps us going and looking forward. What hope is not, is an effective tactic. Hope has served us humans well over the years.
One simple truth we might do well to recognize is this—we are all experiencing overload.
Sometimes, the best answer is to slow it down, take a step back from the hustling, and find a new rhythm… a more comfortable pace.
So, what do you think?
Yes! It’s absolutely okay to just have a good year. It’s even okay to have an okay year. Some won’t even have that.
We’ve been through a hell of a lot for a hell of a long time. If you’re one who’s still got the energy and wherewithal to kick things into high gear—Then go for it!
And, if you just don’t have it in you this time around—It’s OKAY!
You’re simply not obligated to have a better year. And that’s completely okay.
The thing is… most things in life, you get to choose—then some things you don’t.
Hoping for the year that’s just right for you, my friend.
Be untucked.
p.s. Know someone who might like this post? Maybe forward it or share it on your favorite social media platform. Thanks…
Copyright © 2022 Jeff Meister – All Rights Reserved
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