Jan 2
Dayton Kingery: Planning for the New Year: How to Get the Best out of 2022
When people think about New Year’s their initial thought is often connected to the actual date — the 31st December — and what party they are going to attend/host. And truthfully, why shouldn’t they? It’s something fun to look forward to; a time to get together with friends and family; a time to do something out of one’s everyday routine.
The year end is also a time when people start making New Year’s Resolutions. They are going to finally lose weight, drink less alcohol, get a better job, improve their familial relationships, etc. etc. But really, does it actually happen? Do people really stick to their resolutions? It should come as no surprise that very few people actually do. Indeed, there is even a day marking when people will quit their well-intentioned resolutions…According to data collected by Strava, January 19, is the day people abandon their unrealistic goals.
So at the start of this new year, I challenge you (and myself) to focus on something different and it’s all based on personal joy which you can make contagious. Ask yourself the following questions:
- What has brought me the most joy over the last 12 months?
- How can I take that joy and expand it?
- What can I do to bring that joy to others?
- How can I use that joy in a way that makes the world a better place?
For some people, immense joy is attained by being with their loved ones, or their animals. At the same time there are so many people who feel incredibly lonely. So why not take that beauty and share it with others? Find a homeless shelter, an orphanage or even a soup kitchen and bring light and joy to all those places. Go and visit the elderly — many of whom have been stuck inside seeing no one for too many months — and bring your dog or your children. And if that’s not how you find joy then bring music or cookies to them.
Use the end of this year to focus on all your blessings…and then find a way to share them with others.
