Each year many of us put forth our New Year’s Resolutions. Each year many of us fall short of follow-up. Why? There are multiple reasons, but we’re left with the same results. Limited or no results.
I would suggest we take a different approach. Why not take a year end inventory? Taking such an inventory is not about blaming ourselves for goals not achieved, about risks not taken, about broken relationships. What such an inventory is about is taking an objective yet compassionate look at where we stand now.
Taking a dispassionate look at 2019, we can see who we really are. We can celebrate our achievements and inner strengths, identify our limitations (yes, we all have them), and determine what was within our control and what was not.
Zen teachers emphasize facing “just this.” We look at our situations and ourselves objectively – without sugar coating or blame. We take a middle road.
Once we are able to do this, we can move with confidence to setting goals for the New Year.