Why Resourceful Life Routines and Systems Are Better Than Resolutions
Have you noticed how many goals and resolutions are based on not liking yourself? Most New Year’s Resolutions are approached from a scarcity mentality based upon negative thinking…”I’m not skinny enough; I’m not smart enough; I don’t have enough money; I don’t have the life I want to live”. This can be so discouraging! The thing you dislike about yourself can easily overshadow all of the wonderful things you are.
A far superior way of creating change is implementing life routines and systems that support the change you desire. After all, a resolution or goal is a closed-end objective that may occur sometime in the future. It works outside of the reality of who you are today because if you were that person, you wouldn’t be making that goal. A life routine, on the other hand, is something that you practice until it becomes automatic.
And with a goal or resolution, you either attain it or you don’t. If you don’t make it, your brain may register it as a “failure” … more on that in a little bit. However, a never-ending life system is a process, so failure is not possible. You flow through your life routines and systems. Yes, there are ups and downs, but you start from where you are today and keep going.
The Benefits of Resourceful Life Systems and Routines
Scott Adams noted, “By being systems oriented, I felt myself growing more capable every day, no matter the fate of the project I happened to be working on.” This is so powerful! You can be happy with yourself today because you accomplished what you intended to do — you followed your system! When you adopt this different perspective, you’ll see a substantial shift in your ability to maintain your personal energy and power.
Systems work because you do them consistently. They embody your values, beliefs, and vision. For example, I had a system for exercising at the gym with my CrossFit group. Did I start with the goal of attending an international competition like the 2019 CrossFit Open? Far from it! My system was to get up early, make my bed (yes, this ‘little thing’ is important, because it creates structure in my life), show up at the gym, and push myself to the next level when I’m ready. I chose to only consume things (physically and mentally) that make me feel energized. And guess what? It led me to compete on an international level at the 2019 CrossFit Open! My system for healthy living got me to where I never dreamed possible.
You get to build resourceful life routines and systems that support you.
.A woman has to be fierce to live fully in today’s world. She has to make smart choices and have grit. She routinely does things that nourish, support, and empower her. She has a good health regime — eating what makes her feel energized — strengthening herself through exercise and restorative sleep. She’s mindfully aware of her accomplishments and is proud of what she’s achieved. She feeds her mind and spirit on things that keep her up-to-date in her chosen profession, as well as, inspired and motivated.
Are you that woman deep inside, but external forces have sidetracked you from bringing forth that powerful person from within? Has life brought you down, and you need to be lifted up again? Then I urge you to mindfully and intentionally start today. Make resourceful routines and systems your natural way of being. Here are some things to remember as you do this:
- Mindfully do small things well, instead of one thing not so well.
- Learn from past resolutions and see what’s working and what’s not working.
- Review your mission and stay true to it.
- Mindfully look over the past and acknowledge each small win and CELEBRATE!
- Intentionally build toward a big goal over time.
Resourceful routines and systems are based on who you are, not on who you think you’re supposed to be. You can use intentions to tweak who you are and get yourself back into balance. For example, if you intend to be happier, you’ll feel and express gratitude. If you intend to be healthier, you’ll choose to do things that give you energy. Intentions are grounded in the present and they honor your effort and the process, not just results.
Usually, our greatest shifts in life come from challenges and “failures” we face head-on. (I personally never use the word. failure) It can lead to significant personal growth and positive transformations. Adversity often provides opportunities for learning, resilience, and self-discovery. It pushes us out of our comfort zone, encouraging us to adapt, learn new skills, and develop a deeper understanding of self.
Viewing “failures” as learning experiences contributes to personal and professional growth by highlighting areas that need improvement. However, it’s important to note that not all challenges and failures automatically lead to growth. The way you respond to and reflect on these experiences plays a crucial role. Some people may be more resilient and better equipped to turn challenges into opportunities for growth, while others may struggle to navigate setbacks.
Do you have life processes and systems that help you navigate through life’s ups and downs? I’ve documented the ones that have created the greatest impact in my life. Some are seemingly insignificant; some are major breakthroughs. I’ve combined them to form a road map for Stepping Forward into creating a life of meaning and fulfillment. Download an Introduction to my Stepping Forward Program and see if this is what you’ve been looking for.
Thank you for your photo George Pagan III on Unsplash.