Happy New Year! I hope 2018 brings prosperity, love, and wisdom to you all. Most people I know are hoping that their resolutions edge them closer to happiness and health, and I applaud their efforts. But if you are starting the year in a goal-oriented mindset, please bear these things in mind.
-Don’t judge others who don’t share your goals. If you’ve resolved to join a new gym or stop drinking, good for you. And while it’s important to surround yourself with supportive cheerleaders, you can’t expect everyone around you to follow suit. You can talk about your progress in a way that doesn’t sound judgmental or high horse-y to those who are perfectly happy with their lifestyle as it is. Just because you swear by your new vegan diet doesn’t mean that it’s right for everyone, and constantly lecturing everyone about it could trigger individuals who have experienced eating disorders. You do you. Let them do them.
-Practice gratitude and compassion. According to the New York Times, looking out for others, including our future selves, is an effective way to be a better human and achieve more successful habits.
-Don’t beat yourself up. If you slip, don’t tell yourself that you’ve failed. It’s a setback, not a surrender. Start again tomorrow.
-Don’t feel obligated to share your resolutions. You may have personal life decisions that are occupying your thoughts. If you don’t feel comfortable opening up about them in casual conversation, don’t. Ultimately, they’re nobody’s business but your own.