With the dawn of 2017 nearly upon us, it’s time to revisit our resolutions for 2016 and make new ones for the year ahead. As always, we’re hitting on some very common themes here – time, money, health, etc. Here’s a look back at the resolutions I wrote about a year ago, and one man’s honest assessment of how he performed against them …
Diet: At the end of 2015, I resolved to “eat smarter, eat less and exercise more” in the New Year. Things got off to a great start, of course, as I eclipsed my projection of lasting only to about mid-January, but … diet finds itself back on the list again for 2017.
Have more patience: Unlike diet, the last year saw real strides in this area. This 2016 resolution was built largely around interactions with our children. “Chores are becoming more of a regular thing for them: taking the garbage out, collecting dirty laundry, unloading the dishwasher, shoveling the driveway and walking the dog,” I wrote, and they’ve done better on all, for the most part. Though as I write this at 11:15 a.m., the teenager is still in bed, the younger two are both playing on iDevices, the basement play area needs picked up, the dog is clearly waiting for someone to take her for a walk and I’m on the verge of raising my voice to them all for the first time over holiday break.
Listen: Another one where I’d like to think I made some great progress over the last 12 months. “Whether at home with my wife and children or at work with colleagues, making the extra effort to slow things down and really listening to what those around you are saying can make all the difference.” There are all kinds of easy ways to do this. Pro tip: When a family member tells you of something they want at any point throughout the year, if not purchased on the spot, make a note on your phone and keep a running list. At the next birthday, Christmas or other gift-giving occasion, you’ll have a ready-made go-to inventory of what each family member would like.
Spend time more equally: This is also an area I’m proud to have made progress in. After having coached sports teams mainly for our oldest, I’ve moved over to coaching baseball for our youngest as well as becoming more active in guiding our daughter’s sports endeavors as well. Each child got their own 1:1 trip to a Cubs game of their choosing with Dad this season. Even when doing something as mundane as running errands, it’s easy to rotate which child goes with. It may not seem like much, but spending a little extra time isn’t that hard to do, and can mean a lot to both you and your kids.
Explore space: Without a doubt, this was the resolution that saw the most success this year. First, a minor remodel of our home this summer created more usable, versatile day-to-day living space. Then, a couple of months later we upgraded to a larger camper, meaning we have more room on trips as well. And as anyone with teen and ‘tween kids will tell you, space becomes all the more paramount as those children get older. And bigger!
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Save: Well, not so good here. See previous item.
Work smarter: “In 2016, I resolve to do the things that only I can do, or do better/faster/cheaper than others, and let others do the rest.” Getting more help from the kids around the house definitely aids in time management, allowing you to concentrate on the tasks that most need your attention. Like your resolutions list.
Stop procrastinating: Once again, I put this one off. From a year ago: “Whether it’s painting the shed, staining the swing set or landscaping the outer reaches of the yard, there are some projects that find themselves on the to-do list year after year. Not because they need to be done every year, mind you, but because they haven’t yet been done recently in any of them. This year, that ends.” Well, maybe 2017 will be the year!
Live: A year ago at this time, I’d just lost a lifelong friend due to unexpected surgical complications. As I write these words, we have a young family member battling a serious illness. This year has been derided far and wide for those who’ve been taken from us too soon. You don’t need much more of a reminder that all of our days are limited. Make the most them while you can. I’m happy to say, we did a better job of that this year in our house.
Make time for us: From the 2016 list: “Between work, three kids and managing all of their activities, it’s too easy to let quality time with your spouse get put off. Not that we don’t make time for us now, but putting a regular ‘date night’ on the calendar will be best for all concerned.” More of these in 2017 as well.
What about you? How did your New Year’s resolutions stack up this year, and what are you resolving to do in the year ahead?
Twitter: @RobManker