Starting Afresh

Photo by Jamie Fenn on Unsplash

"Success isn't determined by how many times you win, but by how you play the week after you lose."

-- Pele

As we kick off 2023, our thoughts naturally turn to new beginnings and starting afresh. 

Yes, I realize that the concept of a New Year doesn’t change anything fundamental. In other words, there’s nothing intrinsically different between who we were on December 31st and January 1st. 

As a result, some argue that the whole idea of resolutions and goal setting is a silly one because, after all, we’ll just go back to the status quo in a few days anyway. 

I disagree. Artificial constructs aside, the idea of getting started on changes that move us towards becoming who we want to be is a good one. It’s worth making the effort to go after them. 

But society is right on one count:, the success rate is definitely an issue. We do indeed give up not long after we embark on our goals. 

Obviously, there are plenty of reasons for this and there’s no shortage of advice around how to keep going. But three ideas resonate most strongly with me. 

First, just start. Don’t overthink it. Don’t overplan it. Just start, in any way, shape or form. 

Second, take small steps. Don’t set crazy goals to achieve in the short term. Focus on the process and just move forward, even if it's just a half step at a time. 

Third, the above advice from the late, great Pele (G.O.A.T.): it’s all about how we react after we falter - and we will falter. There’s no point brooding or sinking into self pity. Just get up, assess why we did what we did and get started again. 

The point is progress, however we define it. 

Keep moving. 

Keep growing. 

Keep going. 

Happy New Year.