Saturday 24 March 2018

Thoughts in Progress


Three and a half months into the New Year, how are your resolutions going? Remember them? They’re the ones you thought up as you knocked back that fourth glass of cheap prosecco, bought from your local Lidl. The Lidl where you definitely do not wantto ever be seen by your fellow middle-classers, but to which you elopefurtively at almost closing time when no one’s looking and your pockets lackthe depth they once had. Anyway, back to my main point, how many resolutions have you kept? How many have you thrown overboard, into that big ocean called “Real Life”?

Late December and early January have that self-satisfying, fresh-start effect that animates many a New Year’s Eve shindig. It is that sense of finally, finally! beginning that much sought-after, new chapter in our lives. Yet, beyond this burst of motivation lies a not-always-perceptible threat: disappointment.

What killed Icarus? Hubris or failure to realise his New Year's resolution: flying as close to the sun as possible?

There are both mental and physical consequences as a result of this grandiose vision of the year ahead. Namely, we tend to overlook small but equally important changes in our lives. Hitting the gym and attempting to go from a size 16 down to a size 10 takes precedence over going for a brisk walk in the local park regularly. The former might burn more calories in a shorter time, but it is the latter that manages to leave us more fulfilled and complete as human beings in the long term. Another mental minus is that we set the bar for our resolutions so high that not even the former pole vault legend Sergey Bubka would have been able to clear it. The outcome? Frustration.

On the other hand, having low expectations does not help either. Based on close observation, I have noticed that pessimists or those prone to having a negative outlook on life, tend to have a body language that mirrors their attitude. Slouched shoulders, bent posture and solemn-looking faces are some of the signs I usually come across, even if they are not conclusive evidence.

We live in a world full of expectations, both made of us and by us. The problem is that constant target-setting is tiring and it takes the joy out of the life we, ironically, are trying to live well. My advice? Do not ever expect perfection. Give New Year’s resolutions the heave-ho. We are broken humans after all.

© 2018

23 comments:

  1. No specific resolutions here for New Year. Nor perfection. Just the on-going work in progress one of trying to make a positive difference in the world. And some days I fail.

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  2. There was a time I made resolutions with the arrival of the New Year. Some I kept; some I did not; most I forgot within a matter of days. A few years ago, however, I made one resolution to which I faithfully have kept: Never to make another resolution ....

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  3. Obviously, it's the fall that killed him. It was a long drop.

    I don't spend New Year's with anyone, so it is inconsequential to me. But I do make constant resolutions throughout the year. One or two of them usually do get met.
    I love that header picture. Subject is great, and it's sharp. Gives it strength.

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  4. Hi ACIL - I don't tend to do resolutions ... and being here - they have had to change due to circumstances. However ... I must settle into a routine of sorts and make sure I achieve a few goals ... I am reading more due to change of continent and a book club. Love the view ... the scaffolding is about the same height when I visited before I left last year ... cheers Hilary

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  5. I agree with you about resolutions. I long ago quit trying to set goals in January that were unlikely to be met by year's end. It's better to begin each day asking myself what I can get accomplished that day.

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  6. I don't make resolutions. I find it better to take action when the notion hits me rather than save it till New year Day.

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  7. I don’t do resolutions - see no point in setting myself up to fail!

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  8. No resolutions here, either. Or... perhaps that is why everything in the house is breaking down. Every facility is failing me and, thinking back, it all started in New Year. Perhaps it is a lesson as yet unlearned!

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  9. I don't make New Year´s resolutions. We just wish each other a happy - and healthy - New Year :-)
    ALDI and Lidl - everyone over here buys there - no shame at all. Esp ALDI is good quality, too.
    Just wonder if it looks as cheap as over here or as luxurious as in Australia?

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  10. I try not to make these sweeping promises to change every aspect of my life, but I do like using Jan. 1 as way of reconnecting with my goals and see how I'm doing.

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  11. No suelo hacer muchas resoluciones en general a parte de decirme que tengo que perder algunos kilos y no los suelto por falta de no tener la suficiente voluntad con lo cual mejor no tomar muchas resoluciones para no defraudarme.
    Que hayas conseguido las tuyas, un abrazo.

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  12. lol, I don´t make any so I can´t break any :)

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  13. Never make any at my sea. If I want to do something, I do it. Screw the "magic" day.

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  14. I don't make resolutions, maybe better that way!

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  15. Well that's a good idea but I can't let my resolutions go. I already feel obligated. I haven't done any of them but i have been contemplating and analyzing them, which is a great foundation!

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  16. So true! I haven't made resolutions for years now and feel great!

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  17. enjoyed the read. I don't make resolutions anymore, as most are not kept. :)

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  18. My resolution, to have more fun and to waste less time. Time, such a precious commodity.

    Wishing you a wonderful Easter weekend. Hugs!🌷🐏🐝🐤

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  19. So true, target setting and missing the target can be extremely wearing:)
    As usual, great post.

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  20. Like many - I no longer make resolutions.

    Hey Lidl have some great wine!
    Cheers!

    Have a good Easter weekend.

    All the best Jan

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  21. I haven't broken a single resolution, because I never make them. It makes more sense to me to simply wake up each morning (So far, so good!) and give each day my best. One day at a time.

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  22. Wishing you a Happy Easter and hoping you've had a wonderful weekend so far!

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  23. Oh this is brilliant!
    Haha...I love the bit about Lidl. One of my favourite stores...and unashamedly!!
    I honestly don't give a fig for who sees me shopping in there...their range of chocolate, wine, vodka and desserts are absolutely divine.:))

    As for resolutions...well...for once, I'm not doing too badly! Have so far managed to stay on top of my coursework...and have been working out regularly.
    However, I can't promise I will keep it up all year...but do promise to try!! *smiles*

    Greetings from a sunny (yes, SUNNY!!) Hampshire! ;))

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