I have a firm belief that we should always seek self-improvement. None of us are perfect, nor will we ever be, but it is part of our human condition to constantly try to make ourselves, and the life we are living, better. This leads me to the question: what makes a life better? What is the life I want to live? And let me be so for real with you. As I approach 30 this year (yes, I can’t believe it, either), I’m still searching for that answer. I thought I had it figured out when I applied to UNC Wilmington 12 years ago to be a marine biologist. Obviously, that didn’t last. I eventually found my way into teaching and back to FHS, and I am happy. I enjoy my job, my colleagues, and my students. But I’m still pursuing the idea of a “better life.” What I’ve learned is that a better life comes from a constant cycle of trial, error, reflection, and restart.
Now you may be asking yourself, “Mrs. Higdon, why are you on your soapbox giving us corny advice?” And I’ll give it to you. It is corny. But that brings me to the real purpose of this article: New Years’ Resolutions. I know we have a love/hate relationship with them. Some people don’t like the guilt of failing, some don’t like waiting for a specific day to start, and some don’t believe they can stick to them. I get it. I’ve failed plenty of resolutions myself. Still, I find something exciting and rejuvenating about resolutions, especially at the start of a new year. I’ve also learned that making a variety of resolutions helps with motivation. They should form a tree in your life so that growth is possible.
You start with the roots, or habits that feed your main goals. My “root resolutions” are walking 10,000 steps a day, reading daily, and transcribing my favorite book of the Bible. Next come the “low-hanging fruit” goals. These are easy, fun, and low-pressure. This year, I’m memorizing the U.S. presidents in order, the 50 states alphabetically, and hopefully the first 100 digits of pi. I’ve already finished the first two. These goals help us feel successful without feeling overwhelmed.
Finally, there are the “canopy” resolutions: the big goals that take time and effort. Mine are to go on a backpacking trip lasting at least three nights, take a pottery class, and make my family’s Christmas and birthday gifts. These goals require planning and commitment, but they’re things I truly want to do. That’s what I mean by building a tree of resolutions. By forming habits, achieving small wins, and working toward bigger goals, I can do what I set out to do in the first place: build a better life.
