2020: new year – new course

We’ve all heard the adage “new year, new you.” There’s something about a new year that helps people focus on changing something or themselves, aids them in eliminating some bad things out of their lives, and gives them hope to begin anew. For many, though, the hope fades fast, usually around the end of January. There are many reasons for this – which are not going to be explored here. Nor do I want to focus on those who become successful; those who endure the changes they want to make and stick it out, carving out old habits for the new.

Instead, I’d like to take a look at the mindset of “new year, new you.” I think we are shortsighted in this phrase. Personally, I prefer the phrase ” new year – new course.” The difference may be subtle but it’s far more effective – even if it is a mere mental note. You see, while it may be a new year you don’t merely change overnight; at least, not in the way people hope to. That simply takes time. A new direction, however, can be plotted with one decision and A LOT can change based upon that one decision. That same single decision, with intentionality, can lead to a new course in life, hence new year – new course.

There is something about the new year that lends itself to new beginnings. I’m inclined to believe it’s because the year is starting over – and we internalize that. We transfer that to a new period for us as well, like starting over when we move someplace new. The new year presents a clean slate; a fresh start to improve on and do some things we’ve wanted to – but haven’t had the strength, willpower, or mindset to do. New years is a funny thing to see fleshed out.

Make that one choice, then, stick to it, and change the course of your life. I mean, that’s the intention, isn’t it? We want to change our lives and we try to use the clean slate of the new year as a catalyst to enact those changes. We, more often than not, think of things all throughout the year we would like to do but for one reason or another, we don’t enact those changes. Yet when we close out the old year we are energized as the new one emerges – and all the potential it brings.

Perhaps you want to lose weight. Maybe you want to read more. Maybe you want to have better relationships with your family. You may desire to resolve to live more intentionally, to stop watching so much T.V., to get a better job, or maybe even quit a bad habit.

And so, whatever your reasons for the anticipated new year, the potential changes, and all that it brings, may the New Year be fruitful so you can say with certainty, new year – new course.