Let’s Take a Hike
Whether you opt to make a resolution to ring in the New Year or decide to bypass the tradition all together, closing the chapter on the last 12 months and opening a new one can feel like a time of change and transition. I’ve skipped the resolution solution in the past, but this year I have a goal and January feels like the right time to start.
Where did the New Year’s resolution tradition come from?
From Egypt to Babylon, from China to Rome marking new beginnings is found in many ancient cultures. Though the time of year can vary, remnants of these old-world, oftentimes religious, festivals live on today. This weekend (January 21st and 22nd) marks the celebration of Lunar New Year or Chinese New Year. May the year of the Rabbit usher in good luck!
According to History.com modern versions of our Western New Year’s resolution practice can be traced back 4,000 years to the Babylonians. With such a long and widely shared tradition, no wonder it’s hard to shake. But you don’t have to wait until the New Year (whatever date that is for you) to set a resolution. Read on for some tips on how to stick to your goals.
My resolution: Go on one new hike every month.
Weekly, and sometimes even daily, I like to go for a walk around the lake near my house. While I’m super grateful to have this amazing feature so close, sometimes I end up feeling like a goldfish in its bowl. I’m a big advocate of blooming where you’re planted so visiting the surrounding areas holds a lot of appeal for me. Because it’s winter, and I’m not well equipped for snow hiking, I’ll stick to some of the more urban hikes in the area for now. Luckily, I have a few to choose from and I’m starting in January with Ebey’s Landing (pictured here) on Whidbey Island – one of my favorite nearby destinations.
How will I make this year’s resolution stick?
According to Harvard Business Review here are the DO’s and DON’Ts of reaching your goals.
► DO Leverage your existing abilities and interests. I’ve got this in the bag. While walking hasn’t always been my strong suit – a story for another day – I’m pretty good at it now!
► DO Make your goals known. Bam, done! Not only am I sharing it here, but I’ve mentioned it to friends and co-workers.
► DO Have a plan. Easy! Planning is what I do, and I’ll be able to track my progress as I post about each hike.
x DON’T Try to do too many things all at once. This is sooo tempting.
x DON’T Make a goal you can’t achieve. If I was trying to hike every weekend, no way, but once a month. . .I can manage.
x DON’T Be too hard on yourself if things aren’t perfect. This will be my new mantra.
What will you change this year?
