Around this time last year I wrote about how long it took to form a new habit and how one slip from your New Year Resolution did not mean failure, but rather that you had discovered something that didn’t work well. I have always had issues with the concept of New Year’s resolutions as they come with high stakes, an expectation of failure and an implicit assumption that you are not good enough as you are.
Now I am not claiming personal perfection here when I state that I have not really made any of your typical resolutions. I have congratulated myself on current successes in getting fitter and leaner and reaffirmed my commitment to continuing with my current course, resisting the temptation to move the goalposts even further. I have resolved to work just as hard on my masters as I have been doing, but to get ahead early to ease the pressure as deadlines loom again in a couple of months’ time. I have also decided to push against my personal boundaries, by actively seeking out new adventures and opportunities. Some of this boundary pushing was set in motion last year, with conference tickets booked and a trip to Antarctica planned. Other elements have fallen in front of me, daring me to pick them up and run with it. That’s how I find myself talking about how people and businesses can raise their game in 2019 on the Business Breakfast on the radio on Monday morning.
Have I ever done this before? No. Do I think I can do it without falling flat on my face? Based on absolutely no evidence that I can, but no evidence that I can’t, I think the answer is yes. I have spoken to rooms full of people in the past, and am passionate about positive psychology, which I think is half the problem solved. Am I finding out as much as possible about what to expect? Absolutely. Am I listening to advice, yes and remembering that it has to work for me. Am I excited or nervous? I think a little of both, having answered the question of “what’s the worst that can happen?” with a small smile and an acknowledgement that this may be the first and last time I am asked on. However, without trying, without pushing the boundaries, I will never know if I can do it or not.
So in 2019, how are you going to push your boundaries a little?
