Happy New Year my friends! Can you believe another year has passed? Were you happy with your year or has the year left you yearning for more or feeling dissatisfied?
I am grateful to have had a wonderful 2018 with many highlights including welcoming another grandson, Elliot, my first public speaking engagement running my second full marathon and placing second in the Bloggers Bash Awards.
But now I look towards a new year with anticipation and just a tinge of excitement because of the unknown. Conversations now start to talk about the year ahead and the almost obiligatory NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS.
Let’s talk about New Year Resolutions
We are bombarded with articles on what New Year Resolutions we should make, how to make them and why we need to make them – only to find that by the end of January, resolutions we made at New Year have fallen by the wayside.
I have always used New Year’s Eve to write my goals and dreams for the next year. I’m a firm believer in setting goals but over the last few years I have changed my thinking about Resolutions. I’m taking a longer term view and making a LIFE PLAN. My daughter recommended ‘The Life Plan’ Simple Strategies for a Meaningful Life by Shannah Kennedy and available through Kikki K stores or online.
I’ll be working through this book during the year and writing posts with useful information for all of us to incorporate into our lives.
I am built to be a goal setter and to achieve, probably because of my over-riding desire to please and feel worthwhile. However, I think that most of us may not be configured that way.
The problem with Resolutions
New Year Resolutions do have their place. They help to get us motivated and at least set some goals or dreams for the coming year. However, I’ve learned that life can certainly get in the way of our good intentions.
What happens when we set our resolutions and then we don’t achieve them?
We feel as if we have failed or maybe we don’t really care – either way the feeling is not great and we don’t move forward.
Evolution not Resolutions
This year, I’m changing my mindset to making changes to my life. I’m not resolving to set the usual suspects of resolutions such as losing weight, quitting smoking (although I don’t smoke), saving money, running a marathon or the myriad of other resolutions that we set.
I’m not making New Year’s Resolutions but rather I’m looking at the ‘New Year Evolution of Sue’.
Evolution: The gradual development of something
I’m all for goal setting however, this coming year, I’m not setting any specific goals per se. I’m just aiming to live a HAPPY and CONTENTED life and to keep EVOLVING and GROWING.
Now that is not as easy as it sounds! I want to make changes in my life that are permanent and long term which will make this goal a reality.
We live in a fast paced world where we are judged by how much we have in a material sense. The large house, the fast car, the holiday etc.
I want to be judged by the qualities I have as a person, not how much money is in my bank accounts”
I’m going to focus on evolving:
- growing as a person,
- living & appreciating each day,
- treating others with love and respect and
- being the best person I can be.
I want to set an example to my grandchildren that these simple traits are the most important ‘goals’ we can achieve.
I want to live each day and have no regrets.
As I have often written life is short and can end at anytime.
We have no control of this.
However we do have control of how we live and appreciate what we have.
I will probably still write my list of goals but I realise if I keep my focus I will probably achieve my goals anyway because of my newly found mindset.
Take control of your life and how you live
How will you prepare for the New Year? Are you happy with your life? If you are that is great! If you aren’t happy then how do you plan to keep Evolving into the person you know you want to be.?
I wish you all a wonderful New Year but most of all I wish you peace and happiness in your life.
This post was updated December 2022.
52 Comments
I like the idea of evolution – it’s about continuous growth and potential. And there’s nothing I like more than possibility or potential! I’ll be setting goals this year, but they’re more based around what I need to do now, in 3 months, 6 months, over the next year to achieve the longer term goals I’ve set myself. And those goals are all about the growth of perspective, experience & into myself…rather than a continuous physical growth lol…I’ve managed that all too well 🙂 Happy New Year to you.
Hi Joanne, I had inspiration this morning! I was thinking about 2019 and the usual resolutions and goals and then it struck me that I wanted to keep learning and growing. Your comments about’continuous growth and potential’ is exactly where I’m coming from. Happy New Year and I hope you can make our get-together with Leanne at the end of January. 🙂
I love this Sue, although in my opinion you are already highly evolved.
Hi Jan, you know I wasn’t even in the mood to write anything and then this idea just came into my head and the words just flowed out onto the page. Thank you for your support and encouragement and I wish you and Rowan and very Happy New Year. xx
We do evolve…or at least should. In almost everything. I love that we can be open to new ideas that weren’t even around many years ago. As much as some of these things are hard to learn, it can be so beneficial.
I think we shouldn’t just limit it to this time of year either….it’s good to figure out some change almost monthly!!
Happy New Year, Sue
OXOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I agree, Jodie, we should keep evolving but sometimes we can get caught in a rut or feel that life is ‘same old, same old’. Happy New Year and I wish you and your family every happiness for 2019. xx
Love this, Sue, and I’m looking forward to reading more. I’m also hoping to evolve in 2019, after realising recently that I needed to make some major changes in my mindset. Have a very happy New Year.
Thank you Toni and I hope that my post helped. Sometimes we all need to take a step back and review how we think and if we aren’t happy we need to make adjustments. Unfortunately, no one can do it for us, we have to make the changes but it sounds like you already are. xx
Hi Sue, I absolutely love this post! You are so right about evolving and not settling resolutions. I am really looking forward to evolving into the woman I want to become, and I realise it’s never too late! It’s about seeing our worth and creating a legacy for our grandchildren. A legacy of love, of giving of ourselves, of kindness and being an example of making a difference in our small part of the world and building others up.
I am looking forward to doing the Life Path also.
Happy New Year and much love to you and Mike
Christine xx
Happy New Year, Christine and I’m looking forward to our regular chats in 2019. I’m also looking forward to working through the Life Plan book. You have already come so far in 2018 and I can see you growing even more in 2019. Can’t wait! xx
What a fabulous idea Sue and so inspirational for the rest of us. You’ve always been an encourager with your blog posts and I think this is a perfect direction for you to go in (and to take us with you for the ride). My word for 2019 ties in with this concept a bit too – maybe we’ll both be evolving in the year ahead!
Hi Leanne, thanks again for your encouragement and I surprised myself because I had no intention of writing this post and then WHAM! there it was. I’m looking forward to reading what your word for 2019 is and also enjoying the blogging ride with you again in 2019. Counting down to January when you visit 🙂
Well said Sue! I’ve never been one to make New Years resolutions. I like how you said that you want to continue to grow and evolve. That is my life goal, To grow and evolve into the best person I can be. Thanks for another inspiring post. Happy New Year!
Happy New Year, Christine and I hope you have a wonderful 2019 full of adventures, happiness and growth. xx
So pleased you have found something like this which resonated. Look forward to reading updates. I’m choosing an intention & a word. Rather late for me, my post is scheduled for 2nd week of Life This Week on 14 Jan. I am continuing to explore my interest in the spiritual world & am learning more via a course called Daily Guidance online -starts 1 Jan for 3 weeks. I am part-way through completing Susannah Conway’s Unravelling 2019 – I found her work via some art-minded friends & so far am finding her simple (yet deep!) questions & reflections interesting! Happy New Year. Denyse x
Hi Denyse, I like your idea of an intention and a word. I actually decided on another word and then thought of Evolve so I’ve decided to have two words this year! I’m posting later as well because I wanted to take a blogging break. I just suddenly was inspired to write this post, which doesn’t happen often so I thought I should write it before I forgot what I wanted to say LOL 🙂 I’ll be interested to read about your Daily Guidance course and Susannah’s Unravelling 2019. I think I saw you post about it on FB Happy New Year to your and your darling husband and I hope 2019 brings health and happiness to you. xx
I can’t wait to see where you take this Sue! What a fabulous idea and I think we all need to continue to evolve. Happy New Year to you and I’ll be joining in wherever possible.
I surprised myself, Deb because I had no intention of writing this post today. However, inspiration took over and that doesn’t happen very often so I think it was meant to be. I have no idea where the journey will take us but hopefully it will be a fun ride. Wishing you happiness for 2019. xx
I read this with a great deal of interest because although the words may be different, the sentiment is consistent with my thinking over the past couple of weeks.
I had an epic year in 2018. The kind of year that makes one feel happy and glad to be alive. As I reflected on keep/stop/starts going into 2019, I realized that everything focused around WHAT … what I do (ie cycle, hike, take photographs, etc) and what I consider myself to be (ie a wife, a mom, a blogger, etc)
What was sorely lacking was a focus on the values and principles that I think are important and I want to ensure represent WHO I am.
You expressed it as evolving and growing the traits that you believe are important – thankfulness, joy, being kind, respectful, etc. I LOVE that. This post gave me a little more clarity and lot more confirmation that I’m heading in the right direction for this new year ?
Happy 2019, Sue!
Hi Joanne, thank you so much for you kind words and I’m thrilled that you found some clarity after reading my post. I hope that together with my readers, we can all evolve and grow into WHO we want to be. It is so easy to be something to others such as a Wife, Mum, blogger or friend. Yet we can sometimes forget that we are an individual with our own needs and dreams. I also left a note on your blog about the possibility of you being a guest for me in my Over 50 & Thriving series. Just let me know if you are interested and I can send you some details. Happy 2019, Joanne and look forward to connecting more this year. xx
Hi Sue,
Like Joanne, I too had an “epic” year…retiring, moving, starting my blog, sailing, traveling…phew! I’m looking forward to 2019 with a “slower” pace in mind, and much more in line with your evolution vs. resolution idea. I’m working on an article about the books I most want to read this year. When I was teaching I never seemed to have time to read what I wanted to read, only books related to education in some way. It is interesting that, at the end of my research, almost all the titles were by female authors. I wonder what that means???
Anyway, I loved the post and, as usual, it gave me a lot of food for thought.
HI Nancy! You did have an epic year! I’m exhausted just reading your comment LOL:) I will be interested in your article about books because I love reading. I enjoy escaping into a good book that holds my attention or recently I’ve been reading more ‘self-awareness’ books which is probably why I’m looking at the word ‘evolve’ for 2019. I wish you a very Happy New Year filled with love and laughter. xx
Great post Sue — evolve. If we don’t grow we stagnate. Looking forward to watching your evolution in 2019.
Thank you Janet! Happy New Year to you and I look forward to connecting with you again throughout 2019. xx
Good post Sue. Even-though I’m not 50+ years old, I like your thoughts and ideas.
Have a wonderful and peaceful new year with lots of love and happiness.
Thank you Valeria and I suppose much of my writing could be adapted to any age. Thank you for visiting and I wish you a very Happy New Year filled with love and laughter. x
I love your perspective on setting goals and enjoying each day as it comes. You’re right…we are not promised tomorrow but we can live each day to the fullest, learning and growing as we go. I am looking forward to your thoughts on The Life Plan. Happy New Year!
Thanks Candi. I only started thinking this way a since I started blogging actually. Sometimes, when I write something it is because I’m learning more about myself and I like to share my ideas with others. I’m looking forward to working through The Life Plan book. My daughter uses it in her Executive Coaching and recommended it to me. Happy New Year to you and look forward to connecting again in 2019. xx
Happy New Year Sue. This post really resonates with me as I am thinking about the year ahead. I’ve taken a bit of time out since Christmas due to working longer hours than usual. Looking forward now to getting back to writing and looking forward to a great year ahead
Happy New Year to you Jen and like you I was taking time out from the blog over Christmas and New Year. Although in saying that I’m not sure where this post or idea sprang from. I hadn’t intended writing anything and then suddenly I was on my blog writing away. Perhaps it was meant to be. I’m looking forward to connecting with you again in 2019 and look forward to our first #MLSTL link up on 9th January. Take care, my friend. xx
Hi, Sue – This is truly incredible! I decided that I wouldn’t pursue any specific NY’s resolutions for this year. I also don’t typically choose a ‘word for the year’ for myself. Two days ago, quite suddenly, the word “evolve” came to me. I decided right then and there that would be my ‘word of the year’ and my ‘resolution.’ When I read your post just now I was taken aback and started to question myself. Had I read this somewhere else on your blog recently? I just looked but couldn’t find anything. Did I miss something or is this just another one of those strange coincidences that proves we were destined to be friends?! 🙂
Hi Donna! You haven’t seen me write about ‘evolve’ because I literally only thought of it the morning I wrote the post! I hadn’t even intended to write anything this week and then suddenly I was sitting at the computer, fingers tapping away and thoughts flying. We certainly were destined to be friends and I do believe in fate! At least we know we are on the right track for 2019. Can’t wait to talk to you more about your plans. 🙂 xx
Evolution is a much better way of looking forward than a list of resolutions. Really like the idea as life is all about evolving and learning from experiences, making a better person of yourself and trying to improve. Happy New Year for 2019, good luck with evolving.
Thanks Jonno for visiting and also for your comments. I’m a little behind in replying as I was trying to take a break from the computer for a few days. Happy New Year to you and thanks again for stopping by. 🙂
I do feel like I evolve every year, and I resolve each day to live the best day of my life. That’s the best way to be, in my mind. Each day seems perfect in its on way, except IT GOES BY TOO FAST! If you find a way to slow down life a bit, please share that! 🙂
Happy New Year. Happy Evolution.
Hi Pamela, you certainly have the right attitude and I think we all get so caught up in future plans and goals we forget to enjoy the current day. I’m sure if I found an easy way to slow down life I would certainly tell you. It isn’t as easy as it sounds though. Happy New Year to you and thank you for stopping by. x
Happy New Year, Sue! It’s wonderful that the idea came to you and you were able to capture it to share with us. I like evolution a lot more than resolutions. I don’t typically set any resolution myself. Have a fabulous 2019!
Happy New Year to you Natalie! I was very surprised and felt comfortable with the words and inspiration that came to me. I’m hoping to keep learning and evolve in mind, body and soul and also commit to these changes even if they are small. Have a wonderful 2019 and looking forward to Wellness Wednesdays. xx
There’s a lot of good sense here, Sue. 🙂 🙂 In November we sold our home in the UK and made the permanent move to the Algarve that we’d dreamed of for years. Magic wand for happiness? Not at all! I’m still me, with my doubts and discontents, and even though I love this life I do not grin from ear to ear through the days. Though I should! I tapdance sometimes and beam at strangers. But there are adjustments to be made. My husband is proving far better at having a positive mindset. I’m sitting here counting my blessings this morning, including a beautiful poinsettia tree that a complete stranger gave me earlier this week, and some hand-painted floral art my daughter made me, newly framed on the wall. Thanks for your visit. Have a great year!
Hello Johanna and I can certainly understand that even though most people would find what you have done exciting, it is also overwhelming and daunting. I’m not sure how I would go moving away from my family and friends and you just need to give yourself some time. Everyone adjusts differently so don’t be too hard on yourself. How lovely of the the strangers to give you a gift and when you look at your daughter’s artwork that should evoke lovely memories. Have a great weekend and looking forward to following you on your blog. x
Hi Sue, Sizzling Towards 60 and Beyond has been mentioned on a number of other blogging sites and I have spent the last hour reading some of your posts. Many thought-provoking stories filled with inspirational gems. I am intrigued by “The Life Plan” and I look forward to reading your thoughts on this book. The word “Contented” and “Contentment” continues to surface for me. I am aware of the fragility of life and grateful for every moment, every day. I look forward to reading about the “Evolution of Sue”.
Hello Erica! How lovely of you to stop by and leave me a comment. I’m so pleased you found my website and enjoyed reading the content. Finding Contentment in life is something we all strive for but it isn’t always easy to achieve. Some people are always looking for the next best thing in their life when really they have it already. Love your attitude and look forward to getting to know you more. xx
I love this and can totally relate. This year I really want to focus on making the most of and being grateful for every single day. As you say life is a fragile and precious gift and at the end of the day is the little things we do that mean the most! Here’s to evolution not revolution!
Love that Sammie – Evolution not Revolution! I might use that. Have a great 2019 and look forward to following you through the blog. x
“What happens when we set our resolutions and then we don’t achieve them? ”
That is basically why “SMART” goals bother me. I have lot of variables in my life and time constraining them doesn’t suit me very well. I need something that works with me rather than adds pressure.
I have come around to that way of thinking Vanessa. I used to set SMART goals and resolutions but life had a way of interrupting. I also think we have to be in the right mindset and as you say we don’t need the added pressure. I also believe others are starting to feel the same way as I’m seeing more posts from bloggers who don’t make resolutions anymore. Happy 2019! x
Yes, yes, yes to the Jim Rohn quote, Sue. It is change not chance that will make our lives better. Storing that in the memory banks today as I potter about on my day off.
Be well
SSG xxx
Hi SSG! I hope you enjoyed your day off and thank you for your positive comments. Have a fabulous 2019 xx
I have learned even more about evolution in terms of my mouth healing…and recovering. We often take our bodies for granted until we can’t. I have been told that inside my mouth is constantly changing and renewing even if it had not had cancer. Kind of fascinating for sure.
I also believe the day that we decided not to change is the day we might as well up sticks and die. Slow changes always keep us healthy and mentally well. Fast changes can be more impactful. But change is here to stay.
Thanks for linking up for #lifethisweek 2/51. Next week’s optional prompt is Best Gift Ever 21.1.19. Denyse
HI Denyse, I know I haven’t listened to my body in the past but I had a health scare just before Christmas and that brought me down to earth quick smart! Thanks for the link up and see you Monday x
Happy New Year! I’m a goal setter and I always take the new year to list some immediate and long term goals. Are they goals, ambitions, things on the to-do list or resolutions? Perhaps it’s just a matter of semantics. I think what’s important is to be thinking about what you want to make happen or achieve in your life, whatever it is, and strive for that. All the best with your intentions.
Hi Christine, I agree – it is important to think about what you want to make happen in your life. We only get one shot and need to make the most of it. Happy New Year! x