Coming Up in 2014

It’s a New Year and every magazine is asking “New You?” Resolutions abound on Facebook and in every fitness center commercial. My Pinterest home feed is filled with smoothie recipes, organizing tips, and DIY projects so I can be inspired to be my best me EVER.
Well, folks, here’s what I’ve finally learned after 33 years. It’s going to take a whole lot more than a new year to create my best self ever. It’s going to take a whole lot more than a whimsical resolution to actually change one of my bad habits. I’ve lived with these habits for awhile (hence the word “habit.”) I’ve cultivated them, grown them, and they’ve really got their claws in me. Pizza again this week — check! Making an excuse about those overdue thank-you notes — check! Watching a Law & Order marathon instead of working out — check!
It doesn’t mean I don’t want to be different, because I do. But a stroke of the clock at midnight isn’t enough to motivate this lady to make it happen. I’ve finally learned that for me. That motivation is fleeting. Soon it will be Feb. 1 and the feel good feeling of a fresh start is gone. Life is back to usual and the New Year’s Eve sparkle is worn off. So I resolve to make no more resolutions. I resolve to instead, try to see each day as a fresh start — an opportunity to make a change.
My “best self ever” is not going to be an overnight creation or even a 12-week creation. Often, I’m lured into the time-stamped habit-changing programs filled with promise. Lose two dresses sizes in two weeks (Spoiler Alert: The trick is to quit eating food). I’m starting to realize this “Best Me” notion is a work-in-progress and one I’ll (hopefully) never quit working on. So, was Jan. 1 the day to start that?
Why Jan. 1 when you can start on Jan. 10, Feb. 15^, or whenever you decide you’re ready. Because, that’s the other thing I’ve finally learned. It only sticks when you’re ready — not because society says it’s a “New Year and New You” and not because your gym is offering a super special deal. You and only you, can change those bad habits, one day at a time.
 
Katie Wells is a national speaker, a customer service trainer, and adjunct professor at the College of Charleston. She can be reached at kewsolutionsinc@gmail.com.