Change is the deepest dream of the human heart. We’d all like to become someone new. Whenever we talk about welcoming New Year or saying bye to the past year, the first word that comes to mind is resolutions. Somehow, I never felt any connection or excitement about this word. For many, it may be a source of motivation. But it puts me under pressure. I instead call it promises. Because it is promising when I can keep up with the promise I have made to myself. You can call it a feel-good factor.
Last year, I made three promises to myself. And I was able to keep up with all of them. In fact, I did a few extra things as well. One of the promises was monetizing my blog. I was able to do that in January 2022. Second was recording more audio books not just in Hindi but in Marathi as well. And I not only recorded books in Marathi but also created one original show with KukuFM. And the third and the final promise was- digging into the Voice industry a little more. Fortunately, I was able to do a two month long professional voice over artist training. I learned a few new things which I could apply to my audio books and podcast.
In addition to these promises, I was able to add one more event to the list in 2022. I started working full-time. This has been a hidden desire for a very long time. Since everything was not in my control, I was trying to utilize the time to update myself. I am thrilled that I could join the workforce after almost 15 years. That’s why I said I make promises to myself than resolutions. If I made a resolution that I want to start working in 2022, I don’t know if it will happen or not. But instead, I made a promise to myself that I would keep learning something new, then that I could achieve.
Don’t make resolutions; make good habits.
Habits form who we are. Think about it. A habit is something you do over and over without noticing it. For example, instead of making a resolution to go on social media detox after 6pm in the evening to 6am in the morning, how about developing a habit of not checking your Instagram or SM account the last thing at night and first thing in the morning? It will save so much of your morning time and bless you with a peaceful sleep. You can start your day on a really good note rather than checking somebody’s photos which will make you feel that they are so happy in their life and you are following a monotonous pattern.
Let’s call them promises. The three promises I shared with you were related to the habits I have developed over time. For example, monetizing is possible with regular content generation; recording more audiobooks will happen if I finish my projects on time, and understanding the details of VO industry will happen only when I put my 100% effort into it. Nothing will happen on its own.
Habits are naturally brain-friendly, learned behaviors. You can do them quickly without thinking because they will come naturally to you once you get the hang of them. They can be as simple as maintaining good eating habits, having a good skin care routine, or something deep like deleting hate, replacing fear with love, practicing tolerance, including compassion and empathy.
If you read Atomic Habits, you would know how powerful habits can be and how they can change our life to 360 degrees. James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits, points out that habits aren’t developed through sporadic, one-time actions. Rather, habits must be thoughtfully and repeatedly built into one’s routines to lead to lasting change.
These habits are only possible when the motivation to succeed is connected to one’s identity. When we talk about resolutions, they are mostly about the outcome or the end goal, but what about the connecting dots. That’s where good habits come into the picture.
-Define the person you want to become
-Create the right environment
-Start with the two-minute rule: If following the new habit, even for two minutes, seems complicated, it needs to be broken into mini-habits.
-Focus on daily success: Every small step towards your new habit is an achievement. Do not ignore them.
Have you ever thought of making your New Year’s resolution from this angle? If not, then do give it a try. Take it as a challenge. And I am sure you will be pleased to see the promising results of the promises that you will make to yourself.
Wish you a very happy new year 2023!!
This blogpost is part of the Let’s Stay Hello 2023 Blogging Activity hosted by Swarnali Nath.
I love the idea of making promises rather than resolutions. Developing habits and focusing on the process rather than the end goal is so much more realistic and doable. Congratulations on your achievements for the year, Alpana. Hope you have a wonderful 2023 as well!
Thank you! Yes, I believe in developing good habits.
Lovely post, Alpana. Developing good habits is key to success and leading a wonderful life. Even I don’t believe in making resolutions as it mounts pressure only. Going to surely try what you spoke about. Wishing you a wonderful year ahead !!
Thanks Debi and wish you a very happy new year.
I have been seeing you for around 3 years now and I have seen how systematic and focused you are. Hence I would say that you dont even have to take resolutions. You are the one who introduced me to podcasts. So I feel ao proud to see your growth
Awww…thats so sweet of you Rakhi.
That is so well said, Alpana. Our habits make us who we are. You’ve done well in 2022 and this post is very inspiring.
Thanks Sonia.
Loved reading your post Alpana. I also do not make resolutions,but your point about habits made me situp and take notice.
P.s. congratulations on rejoining the workforce
Thank you!
I don’t make resolutions either, they’re the perfect recipe for giving up at the slightest excuse. You’ve had an amazing year, Alpana! I’ve been wanting to do things but haven’t gone down to actually doing them for some reason. Feel motivated to get moving and indeed develop good habits to achieve them.
Thank you Varsha.
Don’t make resolutions but develop good habits – can’t tell you how much this idea touched me. It is wonderful that your are making your resolutions s habit and reaching new heights. Kudos. Keep it up
Thank you!
I also feel the same alpana. and did not believe in making a long list of new year resolution which never get completed. instead, I believe in taking positive baby steps towards my goals. I feel, this is the best way to avoid overwhelmed feeling and still achieve in life which you actually want to achieve.
You are right.
I too don’t make new year resolutions simply because it never worked for me and agree developing good habits that last for long only helps you in long run. Great reminder alpana.. Thanks
You said that right.
Alpana I told two things to you earlier… You write beautifully which makes one feel good and secondly you have a very sweet voice which makes one feel mesmerized… regarding resolutions I am not a resolution making person but I am clear at what I want in life so without even making any resolution I go by my will and try to tap opportunities the way it come on my way.
Thank you Samata.
It is the most apt way to start a year. Habits take you way ahead of resolutions. As resolutions are short term and habits are long term.
Yes.
Even I don’t believe in making resolutions . I would definitely try what you spoke about. Wishing you a wonderful year ahead !!
I am glad you liked it.
I simply loved the idea to make a habit rather than taking up resolutions, which eventually we all break. Happy New Year !!
Thank you
This is a great idea, resolutions are often lost and missed, and promises to self may last longer. I too feel promises could be made into habits easily and it’s a good way to look at it in a longer stint. Till now I had preferred writing my goals/plans so that I can revisit and whenever I feel I am losing track.
Writing them is also helpful.
I agree to the fact that every small step counts. Yes, we have to more firm and committed to the small everyday goals rather than a long time resolution, which is more likely to be fulfilled. Loved reading your post
You are right.
I too dont believe in resolutions. It is wonderful that you were able to do more than you promised yourself. Wishing the best in the voice artist space and also in all your endeavors. Happy New Year Alpana 😊😊
Thanks