Episode 6: What Do We Have Here: The Questions to Ask Yourself When Creating New Year’s Resolutions

Episode 6: What Do We Have Here? - The Questions to Ask Yourself When Creating New Year’s Resolutions

Episode Summary: In this episode of Love, Work & Other Disasters, we explore the annual tradition of New Year's resolutions—from how they can help us clarify our goals and motivate us to the pitfalls of unrealistic expectations. We discuss why some resolutions stick while others fall by the wayside and, most importantly, how asking yourself the right questions can make all the difference. Whether you're pro-resolution or a bit skeptical, this conversation will help you make the most of that “fresh start” feeling and turn it into long-term success.

Key Discussion Points

1. Pros of Making Resolutions:

• Clarity and Direction: Defining what you truly want can help guide your decisions throughout the year.
• Motivation Boost: A specific, time-bound goal can give you an extra push to take action.
• Positive Habit Formation: Focusing on healthy habits—like exercising more or improving time management—can significantly benefit your overall well-being.

Cons of Making Resolutions:

• Unrealistic Expectations: Setting overly ambitious goals can lead to burnout or disappointment.
• Lack of Specificity: Vague resolutions (e.g., “get healthier”) often fail because they don’t include a clear plan or measurable milestones.
• All-or-Nothing Thinking: When people slip up once, they may abandon their goals completely instead of adjusting and continuing.

Asking Yourself the Right Questions

Using Edward Espé Brown’s question, “What have we here?” when thinking about New Year’s resolutions offers a chance to pause and reflect on the true nature of our goals before we fully commit to them. Instead of rushing into self-improvement lists out of habit or social pressure, we can slow down, ask ourselves what is really happening in our lives, and notice the underlying motivations behind our desires for change. By being curious and engaged with our present experiences—rather than fixated on an ideal future—we allow ourselves to craft more meaningful, realistic resolutions. This mindful approach helps ensure that our goals resonate with our actual needs and values, making it more likely we’ll see them through long after the new year begins.

Another question to ask yourself when making a big decision: Is this path I am on, or proposing to take, one that enlarges me or diminishes me?

1. Practical Tips for Follow-Through:

• Start Small and Build: Instead of attempting a major life overhaul, focus on one or two goals at a time.
• Set SMART Goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound objectives are more likely to stick.
• Track Progress and Celebrate Wins: Consistently monitoring your progress and celebrating milestones helps maintain motivation.
• Be Adaptable: If life changes, be willing to tweak your goals. Flexibility prevents a small slip from becoming a complete stop.
• Gratitude: Use a gratitude journal or a notes app to identify at least one thing per day that you are grateful for, no matter how small. Evidence shows that being grateful for the good things you have give you a better mindset to manage the things that are not working.

Listener Takeaways

• Mindset Matters: A resolution without a clear “why” might fizzle out quickly.
• Manage Expectations: Realistic goals and an adaptable approach lead to better results.
• L