My New Year's resolution? Small things.

New Year's resolutions. It's a tradition that some continue to partake in but it seems many Americans feel the tradition is a waste of time. According to statisticbrain.com, only 45% of Americans continue to follow the tradition of making a New Year's resolution, and only 8% of those are successful in achieving their goal. In fact, 25% give up on their resolution after the first week! I have made resolutions in the past. Typical ones like eating better or exercising more and have had varying levels of success but I'm not convinced they make much difference. For one, I often don't make specific enough goals and it is hard to measure if I'm making any progress. I also rarely tell anyone else what my goals are and as a result, I have no accountability. But I think often, I don't feel like making a resolution is worthwhile unless it's big. Big as in, a major change. I mean, what is the point of making a resolution if it's small or not significantly different from before?

This mindset is not bad and definitely needed at times in our lives when we really need to set out in a new direction. But big changes and life-altering paths are difficult to sustain and can often have a difficult transition period as we change routines or habits. It can impact relationships, or result in less sleep or new stresses. Besides the difficulty, big changes often don't tackle the root of the issue. For instance, if I decide to work out because I don't like my body, I set myself up for a difficult few months ahead. If I don't work out or fail to stay away from the candy aisle or am sick for a week that throws me off my routine, I will most probably look in the mirror and be discouraged. Even if I succeed and have a great workout schedule and get fit, I have now set the precedence that I am happy about myself only if I continue to stay fit and my body fits certain parameters. The root of the issue is that I have bought into the lie that I need to look a certain way and that doesn't change with a few months at the gym. Not that I really know how to get at the root of the issue, because I have struggled with my body image for many years and it isn't something I can deal with in a one-year resolution.

Ok, so what's your point? I will concede that sometimes change needs to come swiftly and abruptly, like tearing off the band-aid, but most often, the best and most sustainable change comes slowly and in small increments. My grocery buying habits are much better than a few years ago but it took some time and some careful planning to make sure I stuck to a specific list when I went to the store. Now, I get more nutrition in my cart and less useless carbs. My calendar and work organization has gone through countless changes and tweaks as I figure out how to balance being productive, social, active and also get enough rest and relaxation. Sure, the small things don't get a lot of hoopla or attention, but they are oh so important.

So my New Year's resolution for 2014? Small things. Simple things. Actually doing some of the things I believe in. Speaking up when I need to speak or being quiet when I need to hold my tongue. Giving up a couple cups of coffee each month to donate the money to a cause I care about. Last year, I noticed on the receipt that the cashier missed an item during checkout but I was already at home. It was a small item, and I debated for a while whether to drive back to the store. I wish I had. Sure, it's a small thing, but if I believe that is the right thing to do, then I should follow through. Even on the small things? Yes, especially on the small things. If we are faithful to do the small things, the big things become...well, not so big. Because we start to see everything as important. And not just things, but people. The small interactions with seemingly insignificant people become important and worthwhile. At least that's what I hope. So I have a reminder in my room that simply reads, "Small Things."

Happy New Year, everyone.