A Resolution Worth Making
I didn't send the usual New Year's resolution message this year. Why? Because I don't believe in them—at least not the way most people approach them. When you know you need to make a change, the best time is now, not January 1st. That said, I'll admit January does offer something valuable: a clean slate, a return to routine after the holiday chaos. And that's worth having.
Even though my wife is a hater of long winter, she loves January. After the previous holiday months she says it's great to get into a new routine. I agree.
And there's the whole dry January thing. A lot of people do that—more than ever—and that's a positive. I mean, why not take a month off from something you know isn't doing you any favors?
Which, to me, begs the question: why only take a month off from something you know isn't good for you?
When it comes to alcohol, here are a few of the answers I hear.
"Well, it helps me sleep." My question about that is not whether it truly does, but are you resting? The answer lies in whether you awake feeling better or worse, and whether you constantly feel like you need a nap.
"Well, it helps me unwind, relax and de-stress." The question is, if it helps with that, then overall you should be feeling more relaxed and less stressed or depressed than ever, right?
"Well, it helps me stay fit—I work out better and wake up ready for the day." Really? Because no one who drinks regularly has ever honestly said that.
The truth is, most people are not getting enough quality rest or sleep, are stressed out or depressed, and are dissatisfied with their looks or fitness.
On top of that, most do not jump out of bed excited and ready for the day. We're not happy with how we look or feel, and we're near deciding that's just how it is.
Alcohol contributes to all of these problems, and more. But you've been so thoroughly marketed to and convinced otherwise that you've never questioned it.
Or maybe you have. If the thought of knocking out alcohol sounds dreadful—even painful—well, there's a reason for that.
Think about this: in so many areas of your life, you're not a follower. You hate the status quo. You go against the flow. You love a challenge and you like winning. So why are you following the crowd on this one thing that's keeping you from feeling the way you want to feel?
So maybe it's time for a resolution after all. But not just "don't drink" or "be sober." That's too small.
How about a resolution to actually live? To feel rested, energized, and glad to be alive? To feel good about who you are and where you're heading?
Now that's bigger than sobriety. That's a resolution worth making.
BTW—We're told the hard part isn't making the resolution, it's keeping it. I get that. But when your desires change and you want something on an emotional level, and you're willing to put in some effort for it, your resolution becomes more than that—it becomes a way of life. We really go after what we truly want. We're no longer tempted by something we don't desire. It's that simple.
