What's Your Resolution?

While I’m not too keen on making one single big New Year’s Resolution, I do appreciate the tradition of reflecting on the events of the past year and thinking about how to move forward in the year to come.  If you’re anything like me, you don’t need a special season to set high expectations for yourself; you’ve already got the goals set with a detailed plan in place to ensure they will be reached in a timely fashion.  Ahh, the joys of being a Type A personality! Maybe you have made a single resolution for 2013 or perhaps you’re in the same boat as me, but in any case remember to stick to your guns, regardless of missteps, temptations, and naysayers. 

Don’t be too hard on yourself when you aren’t perfect.  I’ll give you an example:  Dave decided he would start eating 100% gluten-free for the New Year.  Twelve hours into 2013 he grabbed a beer out of the fridge and drank half of the bottle before realizing that his beverage was not gluten-free (another reason to rid your home of everything containing gluten!).  Clearly, this was not intentional, but a misstep still the same.  Instead of throwing his hands up and declaring gluten-free to be an impossible feat, he told me about it, we both laughed and then decided to buy some gluten-free beer to make things easier for him.  Likewise, don’t give up when you make a mistake or feel bummed about making slow progress.  As my husband frequently tells me, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.”  So true.

Temptation can present itself in many forms, but we are most likely to give in when feeling vulnerable.  Make a conscious decision to remove yourself from situations that may result in giving in to temptation.  Don’t make exceptions.  Constantly remind yourself of the big picture, whether through gathering with like-minded people once a week, posting words of encouragement in your home, or simply spending some time each day in quiet thought to stay focused. 

Do what you feel is right, regardless of those who may doubt your abilities or ideas.  Remember that we are all here to do the best we can with the time we’ve been given.  Others may not understand your goals, but as long as you can see the big picture and feel you are heading in the right direction then that is all that matters.  Maybe you have noticed that YOU are one of the naysayers from time to time (we all are, really).  In this case, try not to doubt others but instead provide encouragement and learn to appreciate we all have different paths that are waiting to be discovered. 

What are your goals for 2013?  I hope you are able to achieve them and much more in the months ahead.  Cheers!

**If you are thinking about going gluten-free for 2013, take a look at my step by step plan HERE.