I love a good start date. Setting them for myself has kind of become my thing. A start date is a way to cope with and mentally prepare myself for all the things I need and want to do in life.
A planned date sets a concrete goal. Whether starting something new or giving something up, I need to work towards a firm day in my head.
Knowing that date psychs me up to start. Example- “Jamie, by XXX, you are going to do XXX, and you will be awesome.”
The date puts a hard stop on unwanted habits.
- Giving up dairy to lessen my cancer risk – I’ll start Monday after I finish this brick of cheddar.
- I won’t lose my patience with my children tomorrow – promised every night as they look so peaceful at bedtime.
- I will start doing this for work – goals set after every motivating get-together with teammates.
- Insert household chore here done by insert season here.
- Stop unnecessary ordering on Amazon and save more money after Christmas.
The thing I love most about setting a start date is trusting that I’ll follow through on it. That means I can give myself a bit of grace before it starts. Maybe I didn’t crush all my goals by December, but I did do a lot of living, loving, and laughing with my family. I can get right back at it come the new year.
By the end of the year, a reset and a new start date are very much needed. Last year’s resolutions have worn off. I’m back to being a tired, angry mom struggling with the daily needs of her family and her own. The promises made last New Year’s or even last week are long forgotten.
I’m ready to be fresh and motivated again. I’m ready for new beginnings and not raggedy worn-out ends.
New Year’s is the most significant start date of the year. Cheers to creating new habits, setting goals, and wondering what the future year holds.
