A new year, new resolutions, new you, new new new… As long as I can remember friends and family have set and discussed the things that they will change as the calendar rolled over from 12/31 to 1/1. With the fresh start of the calendar, going all the way back to the ancient Babalonians who are credited with the “New Year’s Resolution”, promises are made to lose weight, to eat right, to smile more, to drink less, and on and on.
As I personally roll into 2021 I’ve set a goal (resolution) of intentional personal growth. I’m including my actions to reach this goal into my daily activities. These actions include reading from positive growth focused books and listening to personal development podcasts or ted talks. One additional daily action I’m adding to my list, and this is one I’ve considered and never stuck to in the past, affirmations.
When I hear the words daily affirmations the first picture in my mind is SNL’s Stewart Smally looking in the mirror and saying “I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and gosh darn it people like me.” And although I don’t want that haircut and don’t even own a powder blue cardigan, the image isn’t far from the truth.
What is an affirmation, and just as important what it is not?
- It is a present tense statement speaking where you are going: I am on time to events
- It is not a reminder of what you are not good at: I’m not late to meetings
- It is not a wish, hope, or dream of what you might want: I could invent a time machine
In order to add these affirmations to my daily routine, I first listed four areas that I want to grow in this year. Then I took those areas and crafted a present tense statement for each telling myself that I’ve already accomplished the growth. To make it convenient I recorded the statements in a voice memo on my phone. Now each morning while brushing my teeth I press play on that voice memo and in about 60 seconds I tell my mind each morning how I want it to focus toward growth.
Although we’re halfway through January, what is your “new year’s resolution” or, as I prefer to call it, your action plan for growth in 2021?
Photo by Danielle MacInnes on Unsplash