It’s a new year, which often brings new things.
Some new things are easy. Nearly all software upgrades are unnoticeable. Yesterday, both my TV and car wanted to update their software when I shut them off. I said yes. I didn’t notice a difference driving to work today, and I likely won’t notice one tonight when I sit down to watch college basketball.
I updated my tablet and phone first thing this morning. Again, I haven’t noticed any improvements or setbacks.
It’s a new year, so I’m eating differently. Nothing radical, just fewer things. I feel better, but I doubt I look better. That ship sailed years ago.
I changed some other habits.
I’m trying to exercise earlier in the day and go to bed and wake up earlier.
My daughters and my brother convinced me that everybody can improve their lives by simply forcing themselves to do one thing every day. An example from my life is to do 20 push-ups first thing every day. One of them does 50 crunches first thing every day. The theory is, if I can push myself to do 20 push-ups to start my day – I can do other small hard things during my day to improve myself.
Change works better when I know others are making similar decisions. It gives me accountability.
Some new things have been forced on me.
At work, we have a new phone system. It’s great and terrible.
Just when I think the new phones are an upgrade, I encounter things that no longer work the way they used to.
I add powder to my daily smoothie. It used to be tasteless, now it’s wild berry. I like it. Sue hates it. So I have twice as much to drink.
I manage a business, so January is busy as we close one year and start another, bringing a rush of annual tasks. Change and its frustrations always seem ill-timed.
Change is constant, often difficult, but worth attempting. The real message I want to share is about pushing through the awkwardness of new habits and improvements.
Whatever change you are working on, keep at it. You’re not in it alone. The reasons for starting are likely still good ones. If they aren’t, it’s okay to return to the old way.
