In the midst of small talk over the last few days, several people have asked me if I plan to make any New Year's resolutions.
I don't know how to answer because I don't really think in terms of resolutions these days. The connotation of that word "resolution" is of making a commitment and then screwing up the appropriate amount of willpower to follow through with it.
And it's common knowledge that the majority of the population has no interest in making resolutions and, of those who DO make resolutions, the majority of resolvers quietly wave the white flag by the end of January.
So I have reframed resolutions for myself. I have had enough success with creating and sustaining new habits now that I view January simply as a good time to evaluate my life and determine what new habits could currently benefit me.
And then I experiment to figure out what is most effective and sustainable.
This year I am focused on my morning routine.
My problem is that these days the only truly consistent aspect of my morning routine is almost entirely negative: mindlessly scrolling online.
To fix that problem, for Christmas Melissa gave me a bedside alarm clock. Now I can set morning alarms while leaving my phone in another room. It will no longer be the first thing I reach for.
Beyond that, I know the categories which need some daily action - Scripture, prayer, exercise and writing - and now I need to experiment a bit with the best content and ordering of these.
It may require getting to bed earlier.
Without the pressure of some formal "resolution", I have the freedom to do some experimenting and it turns into a fun and interesting process.
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