New Year, Same Me

On finding my resolution.

Note to the reader: I first shared this essay in January of 2023. I reshare today as a way of reminding myself—and all of us—that there’s more than one way to find our new year’s resolution.

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Don’t get me wrong.

I love the aspirations of the “new year, new me” folks. I applaud anyone who takes advantage of this time of year to establish new, perhaps well-needed rhythms.

But this year? That doesn’t describe me.

I don’t have a list of fresh aspirations.

I’m planning no giant shifts in my trajectory.

Instead, I’m striving for resolution.

For the quality itself.

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I’m marathoning this phase of life, and as someone who’s completed a literal marathon, I can tell you that there’s something to be said for the resolution it takes to keep marathon pace.

Marathon pace will have you running slower than you want to go. But that deliberately measured pace leads to inexorable progress, and you’re able to stay on the road longer than you dreamed possible.

You can finish the marathon without burning out.

That’s what I want for this year.

I’m already on the road, mid-marathon. Keeping a measured pace.

Writing my projects. Honing my craft. Building my life. Pressing forward into areas of uncomfortable personal growth. Putting in work on holistic health—mind, body, soul.

The progress feels slow, but that’s okay.

I’m still on the road.

Inexorably advancing.

New year, same me—or, at least, the same path. Just a bit further along than last year.

Next year, by God’s grace, I’ll be able to say the same.

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