According to Statisticbrain.com roughly 45% of Americans make New Year’s Resolutions and yet fewer than 8% ever achieve them. Why? Too Lazy? No Discipline? Some other self-critical reason? I don’t think any of those are the reasons. I think the American way is to do things big.
We like big cars, big meals, etc. In fact some of you are even encouraged to make BHAGs (Big Hairy Audacious Goals) at work. Why would anyone want to be around anything Big, Hairy or Audacious? Yet there is this, seemingly hypnotic, need to shoot for the stars in hopes you hit the moon. That’s why we struggle. We are driven by the MORE virus. I have suffered from it for years. No More. Most advertising is designed to make you feel inadequate, that you don’t have enough. That you need more. I, of all people, will never condone settling for less than you can be or for being lazy, but I will and do condone the notion of minimalism. Minimalism is the idea that most of us can do with less. Less stuff, less stress, less noise, less clutter and fewer distractions.
That’s my challenge to you in this first month of the year. Maybe this year we can all commit to less. Where do you need less of in your life? Incrementalism is the same as gradualism. I know it’s unsettling for some to think of doing things gradually, with intention. Happy New Year. May 2017 be a year of centered peace and happiness. May you have the will to let go of the things that don’t add value and to pursue the things that matter. Most of all may gratitude be your primary source of energy.
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