What is in a New Year

A New Year has begun and with it our new ways– or so many of us hope. But, as we have all learned a time or two before, that is easier said than done.

I recently read that it takes 66 days of doing something to make it a habit. That surprised me as I’ve read before that it only takes 21 or at most 28 days to form a habit. Whatever the true answer, my thought is that if it is a good habit like exercising or eating right, it couldn’t hurt to do it longer.

This year I haven’t really come up with my plans. I was eating healthy and trying to exercise prior to the new year so I will simply continue doing so. I know in my future plans I want further education, making more of my own food, teaching my kids to read better and ride bikes and swim…the list goes on but none of it is really constrained to 2018.

I think the real reason the new year becomes a time of resolutions and habits formed is that it feels like a new start. Even during the year, most people don’t start diets on a Friday. There is something about waiting for that fresh start that makes it seem like a more achievable goal. This is simply my opinion but I believe this way of thinking becomes a hindrance at times. If we mess up, it becomes an excuse to throw in the towel and start again tomorrow or next week or even next month or year. Don’t let that happen to you this year. Stick with your plan or goals even if only for 66 days. See how you feel and how it impacts your life and then you can decide whether to throw in the towel.

Happy writing this week!

Filed under: A writer's life, romance, Toni Kelly