I gave up making resolutions years ago. For me, it became a venue for disappointment.
"Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can." - Arthur Ashe
I intentionally started Speech Hamster before the onset of the New Year for two reasons. Firstly, I tend to put off anything involving risk and the unknown so I opted to jump in sooner than later to avoid procrastination. Secondly, making New Year’s resolutions tends to wake up my fear of failure mindset and there was no reason to attach this new venture to an old mindset.
Finishing out 2023 while trialing the Nike “Just Do It” attitude, it seems refreshing and beneficial to welcome the New Year with this renewed perspective. Releasing the self-imposed pressure of perfectionism and embracing the grace needed to take risks and make mistakes along the way, I love the idea made popular by tennis legend Arthur Ashe, “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can”.
Start Where You Are
Every journey begins exactly where you stand with an intentional decision to move forward (even if it means just tying your shoe!). Some may want to jump in with both feet, while others may want to test the waters toe first.
Regardless of how you decide to begin, it does not necessarily mean jumping, walking, or toe-tipping unabashedly into the unknown. Starting “on your mark”, in the present moment, includes consideration of lessons learned along the way, reflecting on the past to set new actionable steps for the future.
Additionally, “starting” where you are helps prevent getting caught up in the idea that we need to be at a certain point or possess a particular skill or resource to take on something new. Or even equally as discouraging, getting stuck in the vicious cycle of over-planning to the point of being frozen in indecision. (I’m speaking to myself here).
🐹 Action Step: whether it’s embarking on a new adventure, trying to bring something new to a mundane situation, or facing a difficult circumstance, take a moment to reflect on what brought you to this place in time, assess what will be beneficial to support you in the journey and be reassured you have what is needed to take the first step into something new with confidence.
Use What You Have
There is nothing wrong with being prepared. Former Secretary of State James Baker famously stated, "Proper planning prevents poor performance". Just beware that waiting for the perfect moment or that "one more thing" to add to your toolbox may keep you sidetracked longer than necessary. Take stock of your unique skill set and the opportunities within your grasp. My guess is you have more than you realize. Your experiences and resourcefulness are valuable and can be used to help you "get set" and guide your way.
Not feeling resourceful? Seek those in your trusted circle to offer insight and be your creative think tank and support system. Review your digital bookmarks. You know, all those tabs you’ve saved to read “later”. Listen to a new podcast or read a book related to your area of focus. Start a journal (or a blog?) to record your process along the way. You never know what golden nuggets may present themselves to offer some clarity or reassurance.
🐹 Action Step: identify the resources available to you – whether they be time, materials, experiences, or relationships. Take note of how you can access these resources to support you in this new endeavor.
Do What You Can
Having an end goal in sight is important but can also be daunting. Maintaining a “do what you can” attitude invites you to place your focus on what is achievable in the present moment using the resources you have to get up and "go". Remember, small and consistent actions can lead to remarkable results over time.
Mindset matters. Given that life is unpredictable and knowing that external circumstances will inevitably find their way onto your path, it’s essential to activate a flexible mindset to adapt and maintain your forward momentum based on changing situations. If you can embrace a flexible mindset, you’ve also established a nice foundation to nurture resiliency and perseverance.
🐹 Action Step: If you have an end goal, break it down into manageable tasks. What small actions can you take today to move closer to the goal? Celebrate each step along the way and be prepared ahead of time for your path to veer in an unplanned direction so that if it happens, it won’t stop you in your tracks but spur you to take a different path toward the same goal.
To Resolve or Not Resolve
Whether you make resolutions or not, consider embarking on the new year with a “start where you are, use what you have, do what you can” mindset. It may offer assistance when faced with tasks and/or circumstances that present themselves to you along the way. Plus, if you start where you are, there's no room for procrastination as your journey is already underway!
Out of love for my brother-in-law, I cannot close out this post without acknowledging the age-old adage of Buckaroo Banzai. So for Bill, be reassured that “No matter where you go, there you are”.
Hello, 2024. Not sure what’s in store but here we are with what we have so let's do this!
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