Altruistic Resolve

Soon we’ll cross the imaginary line that distinguishes 2020 from 2021. The coming of a new year is usually a time when we set goals or rededicate ourselves to resolutions we made last year (and maybe didn’t reach). This year however, for the first time since we collectively worried our computers would crash at midnight Y2K, some of us aren’t necessarily looking excitedly forward to the coming New Year’s Day. With uncertainties over the economy, the pandemic, employment, housing issues and politics, many Americans fear the coming of 2021 will bring more of the same difficulties that plagued 2020. Though we often fear the unknown, this time around we’re afraid we might see more of what’s become all too familiar. If you find yourself struggling to get excited about the coming new year, try shifting your focus away from the run-of-the-mill resolutions you might have made. Instead, determine to focus your purpose on altruistic goals. Altruistic resolutions are those with concentration on serving others more than self. Setting this type of goal is often simply refocusing the intent of your current goals. For instance, instead of determining to lose weight because you want to “look good” or be thinner, deepen your intent by adjusting your focus away from self, and be resolute to become a healthier and stronger contributor to your family and community. Resolve to set a good example of self-care for your children and others. Don’t just learn something new, learn with intent to teach someone else, then do. Determine to quit smoking or stop drinking not just for your health, quit so you can support others who struggle with addictions. Care about your influence on others and let that be your deeper reasoning. Invest selfless time with family and friends. Resolve to speak only kindness. Perform daily acts of kindness, even for someone you dislike. Express gratitude on a daily basis. Donate a percentage of your regular income to a good cause. Offer compliments for every complaint you hear. Don’t allow yourself to complain. Practice focused listening with anyone who speaks to you. Treat people not only the way you would like to be treated, but treat them the way you think they would like to be treated. Seek and find power within yourself to lift a burden carried by another. Recognize how your positive influence makes this world a better place every day. Yes, the world rotates on its axis and the planet continues to revolve around the sun, but most of what distinguishes the old year from the new is in the mind, not the calendar. Deepen your purpose. Focus on altruistic resolutions and make a better world and a Happy New Year! Be well.