A few days into 2022 and you’re already wavering on your New Year’s resolutions? It’s not too late to reclaim the year and live it on your terms!

Committing to daunting challenges when we’re exhausted, broke, and emotionally spent… and facing another spike in a seemingly perpetual pandemic is a recipe for failure. Forget those “SMART goals” you learned about at work where every resolution must be “Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely.” Delete that PowerPoint and try something more reasonable.

Yes, in some imagined Utopia, we would all be dieting, paying off debt, quitting unhealthy habits, curbing spending, and exercising until we drop, awakening refreshed and ready to get on that metaphorical treadmill for 364 more days of this soul-crushing regimen.

Instead, why not make a resolution that you’ll enjoy? Read more books. Get more sleep. Cook something new. Take more walks with your dog. Volunteer with a friend (or “the Friends”!)

Show your gratitude. Thank someone every day, such as grocery workers, delivery drivers, doctors and nurses, landscape contractors, county workers, and volunteers in your community. Write notes to influential mentors. Call faraway friends or relatives. Be especially thoughtful to the others in your household during this time of isolation.

If you still crave “traditional” resolutions, make one step towards your goal. If you’re worried about money, make a financial plan. My husband and I did this one New Year’s Eve when we were first married. Thanks to that plan, we’re now happily retired in our dream home.

Cut yourself some slack this year. You’ve got enough on your plate keeping yourself and your loved ones healthy and sane. Share your kindness and compassion and open your heart to the gratitude of those around you. Together, we’ll get through this.

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