We’re approaching the end of the first month of 2022. And there’s no better time to reflect on the year ahead. As is typical, many enter into the New Year with conviction and a clear vision. They have a list of so-called ‘New Years’ Resolutions’ which embody the goals for the year. These range from fitness goals, healthier eating habits and self-improvement ambitions, to personal goals, business goals, relationship improvements and the like. And everyone is certain that their set goals are achievable and will be attained during the year. In fact. This is what the new year is about. Starting over and doing it right. And the prospects of success are exhilarating.
What’s even more interesting to observe is the investment made by individuals as they strive to fulfil these goals. Buying new gym wear, cleaning out one’s fridge and stocking up on healthy ingredients, and purchasing a range of self-help books or signing up for various related courses or conferences, to name a few. All of this comes at a sizeable cost and, to the spectator, it appears almost certain that the individuals will attain the mark. I mean. How can they not after displaying such commitment?
However, as the year progresses, we see a repeated trend as an increasing number of goal setters fall off the band wagon by the day. A 21-day fitness challenge stops on day 14. A commitment to drink a healthy smoothie on a daily basis fizzles away quietly after only a few weeks. An undertaking to read a book a week becomes no more after making it through half a book. And a promise not to drink alcohol quickly becomes a shadow as drinks fall back in hand in no time. The possible examples are endless. But the message is the same. The conviction that marked the beginning of the year begins to wane and eventually disappears, and life continues as normal as if the new years’ resolutions never existed at all. Without accountability or excuse. While this isn’t so for everyone, the same is true for a large number.
As it is commonly said, insanity is doing the same thing over again yet expecting different results. So, what then is the problem? And the answer is simple. Change does not come because a new year has come. Change only comes when you – the person – have changed, irrespective of when that takes place. Of course, this could coincide with the new year, which is great for those who attach their goals to a new year.
Let’s unpack this further. A calendar is defined as “a chart or series of pages showing the days, weeks, and months of a particular year, or giving particular seasonal information”. Pope Gregory XIII introduced the Gregorian Calendar (aptly named after him) in 1952, being a solar calendar with 12 months of 28 to 31 days each, and a year comprising of 365 days. The idea being that it takes the sun a total of 365 days to rotate the earth, and so with each completed cycle comes a new year. The Gregorian calendar followed the thinking behind the Julian calendar, also known as the Old Style calendar, which was established by Julius Caesar in 46 B.C as a reform of the Roman Republican calendar. According to the Julian calendar, the solar year comprises of 365¼ days. The Roman Republican calendar evolved in Rome prior to the Christian era and comprises of a 304 day year.
The Gregorian calendar is regarded as one of the most accurate calendars in the world today. But the fact that it is just one of them begs a few questions. Which calendar is exact? How many calendars are there? And why are there variations in these calendars? Interestingly, the Gregorian calendar was introduced to bring the date for the Easter weekend to the time of the year in which it was celebrated by the early Church. So, who knows the motivations for the other calendars? Thus, given the many nuances, what then is in a new year?
The purpose of a calendar is to assist with regulating civil life and religious observances and for historical and scientific purposes. The calendar was created by man as a guide. And that is exactly what it is. No exact points have been identified but mankind is able to manage itself around the indications provided. The new year serves to simply mark the sun’s rotation around the earth and the end of one solar year and the beginning of the next. While the traditions associated with the new year have meant that personal resolutions often accompany the beginning of a new year, there is nothing more in the new year than a change of date. This means that while the setting of certain goals is marked by the new year, the attainment of such goals is independent of the same. The new year does not bring the required assurances. Rather, it brings to light the prospects of possibility as a force to drive personal changes. Although this connects with the touchy feely parts within us, more is required from an individual to achieve the set goals.
Therefore, while the renewed drive, ambition and vision that may come with a new year is commendable, one should focus on substance rather than form. This is because absent of the personal changes and commitment required to attain the set goals, the prevailing trend will continue. In order to see the change you want, you must be the change you want. Transforming inwardly and then manifesting outwardly.
And so, as we all dream for 2022 and beyond, let’s not get caught up in the act of setting goals. But rather engage in the personal changes required to achieve the same goals. Buy the new gym gear. That’s necessary. But focus more on training yourself in the doing. Wake up early, be consistent, put your best foot forward, don’t give up, be accountable, and get it done!
This is the Tsim & Bibi promise for 2022. We’ve been working tirelessly on a range of new products and can’t wait to unveil them. And as we do that, we’ll continue doing what we do. But with the promise of even better. It’s a new year and yes, our vision has expanded. We’ll do more. We’ll achieve more. And we’ll be more. We invite you to walk the journey with us. You won’t be sorry.
So, with nearly 11 months left, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy New Year! May yours be productive, prosperous and fruitful.
Your-in-baking,
Chi