Yo mk!

As is often the case, this is the time of year when people make resolutions. It’s still early on, when motivation and enthusiasm run free like wild horses. Optimism and hope springs eternal, a babbling brook of dreams, goals and aspirations.

The new year is a wee bairn, energetic and blissfully ignorant. Before it hits the toddler tantrum phase or the sullen teenage years or the ornery late adulthood period, the new year is full of vigor and mischief.

If we were to look at the months in a year as we would the decades in a lifespan — yes, humans do not live to be 120 generally, but work with me here — we would notice a year goes through phases and changes just as readily as a human does in her lifetime. There will be ups and downs, the mid- and quarter-life crises, days when endless good times roll.

This fresh period is, perhaps, the most unfiltered, unadulterated time of the year. In a few weeks’ time, the gyms will probably be empty again as people give up and revert back to old habits, but until then, the momentum is strong and intentions are good.

I stopped making resolutions for that very reason, as the rate of failure is inevitable. Growing up, I celebrated two New Year’s eves, which meant I had a second chance to start over in case I fell off the chuck wagon the first time. The new year according to the Gregorian calendar falls in January, but the new year according to the lunar calendar is usually in February or late January, a good month or two later. That means right around the time I’m breaking resolutions or losing steam, I get a burst of good cheer and a reminder a fresh start is just around the corner.

This year I’ve decided to toy around with the idea of achievement through collaboration and accountability using outside encouragement and/or criticism as a measuring stick to track progress. 

There are a few things I decided I want to work on, a couple of goals I want to achieve, but there is no end-of-year deadline. Long before the champagne corks popped and Auld Lang Syne was sung, I already started thinking and planning a couple goals I want to get done.

Along with some friends, I’ve formed groups to cater to my various goals (financial, literary and general life coaching). It’s an easy way to brainstorm, bounce ideas and skillshare. Since much of female experience is learning through sharing, it’s a natural way to derive support from people I already know and trust. 

This post is really just a long and ramble-y way of saying, “Go forth and connect.” Transparency is often a good thing, so why not share what you want to do and connect with those who want to help you do what you want to do?

If all else fails, Chinese New Year’s is right around the corner.