New Year’s Resolutions: To Plan or Not to Plan?

As another year closes its doors and opens on Wednesday, we might be pressured to construct the best New Year’s Resolution list we’ve ever had. But what I learned in 2022 still resonates with me; four months into the year, as I flew from a flying trapeze high above the ground in Rochester, a significant new goal can be hatched in the most unusual spaces at any time.

I liken what happened to me on the trapeze to one of Harry S. Truman’s quotes, “You can always amend a big plan, but you can never expand a little one. I don’t believe in little plans. I believe in plans big enough to meet a situation we can’t foresee now.” Most of us aren’t seers or cradle crystal balls in our hands to gaze upon the next year and see what unfolds; all we have is our imagination.

In the past, only 25% of my annual resolutions or goals came true when I reviewed them, even though it was exhilarating to imagine myself 20 pounds lighter, running another marathon, traveling abroad, increasing my membership numbers, and seeing myself with a full head of hair again. But honestly, remembering the places I went, the people I saw, and the things I accomplished unexpectedly as they popped up during the year was equally exciting.

So today, as you ponder this last post of 2024, I ask you to consider whether you want to plan and set goals for the new year or let life take you for a ride. Maybe you can prepare for your career but let your life flow. If you are anxious about not having a plan, do one and realize that you should look at it every quarter and cross off what you’ve accomplished or add new goals that have bubbled up due to your interest or outside circumstances.

If you are like me, you might want to let life happen the best you can and embrace the unexpected moments. As Stephen King said, “You Can. You Should. And If You Are Brave Enough to Start. You will.”

May 2025 bring you unexpected pleasures and successes you couldn’t have imagined today.