What’s the one thing everyone asks at the start of a new year? WHAT’S YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION?? The question is actually asking, “What are the things in your life you want to change (usually improve)”? For me, like so many others, it’s about continuing to improve my physical and mental health by eating whole foods and increasing my exercise routine. This year is a bit different though. I actually feel confident in my ability to achieve my resolution.
What is it about a new year that makes people think they’re going to magically change overnight? They rush to the gym every morning with gusto, only to burn themselves out quickly. Yes, it’s a new year and therefore we can consider it a new beginning, but isn’t that the truth at the beginning of every month, week or day? We spend time relaxing and overindulging during the holiday season then WHAM! We’re expected to suddenly wake up at 6am and go to the gym for an hour? It’s madness to expect such significant changes to happen overnight!
I see no reason why my resolutions can’t begin on January 15th or May 2nd or October 26th. Just because it’s what’s considered “normal” to set a new year’s resolution on January 1st, doesn’t mean it makes sense. Every day is a chance to start fresh, and on days that are particularly stressful I often remind myself that every hour is a chance to start fresh.
The truth is, human beings aren’t the best with change. According to research from Columbia University, our brains don’t like change (this is also why it can be so difficult to begin direct marketing - our brains will resist the changes in mindset you need to make to get out and meet new business owners).
Routine is our friend and most of us (all of us) are resistant to change. Have you noticed that in your life or business? I know I have! It’s becoming clear to me as so many notaries across the country are re-entering hustle mode to build relationships with estate planning attorneys how resistant we are to change. They’ve forgotten the effort it takes to build authentic relationships with new people, and how exhausting significant change is (and therefore, quit their efforts before making any real progress).
Still, we pressure ourselves to change overnight because the calendar changes from December 31st to January 1st. Then, we beat ourselves up when we fall short of our resolution. It seems so ridiculous to me!
I’ve fallen into the resolution trap for as long as I can remember, but this year I am feeling more confident about my ability to stick to new routines after spending the last year working on improving my health (both physically and mentally). My “resolution” includes adding meditation to my daily health routine, but guess what? I’m not starting until January 15th (edited to February 1st because the gym is still too crowded for my liking). I will be waking up at 6:30am and will start my day in meditation, then hit the gym for 45 minutes on the treadmill with weight training 2 times a week…working up to 3 times per week. I knew if I started on January 1st I’d be setting myself up for failure. I’d wake up early and try to meditate all the while thinking about how crowded the gym will be because of all the “resolutioners,” and how I should probably leave NOW instead of working through my meditation practice. Then, I’d get to the gym and be mad that there is no treadmill or row machine available, and I’d have to settle for a bike or elliptical (I hate both of those things). Then, I’d have to fight for a spot on the weight machines to complete my strength training. Why set myself up to start my year/my day feeling frustrated? That’s no way to begin a day, and it’s a surefire path to failure. So, I’m going to let everyone else peter themselves out and THEN I’ll start. I’m looking for longevity with my new routines and I know myself well enough to know that it doesn’t matter when I start new routines, it’s about starting in an environment that will support my goals.
I want to hear from you…Did you start your resolutions on January 1st and if so, are they still in place?
P.S. I know many notaries are considering adding new revenue streams to their business as their resolution, and I encourage you to check out the Trust Delivery Agent Certification program. It’s the perfect addition to your business that will allow you to earn as much or more than loan signings (and not be dependent on mortgage interest rates and signing services for business)!