Ditch the New Year Resolutions - Practice Reflecting on and Living Your Virtues

New Year’s Resolutions can be a challenge for many. While our brains like to have long-term goals, we also need to be focused on the day-to-day process. Establishing daily routines set you up for success. Start with reflecting on and living your virtues.

Virtues are traits that enable us to flourish in alignment with our genuine self, feel empowered, and live towards our highest good. Try this daily Mindful Virtues Meditation as a way of applying virtues in your life. Say the virtue. Next, read and feel what you are asking for. Lastly, reflect on how you want to apply them:

Wisdom. May I have the courage to change the things I can. The serenity to accept the things I cannot, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Self-Mastery. I am striving to be the best version of myself, closing the gap between who I am being and who I am capable of being. Living in alignment with my virtues so I may flourish moment to moment.

Courage. I am willing to face my fears and take action by stepping out of my comfort zone; knowing endless possibilities lay just on the other side. Obstacles make me stronger and are the path towards my success.

Love. I am present, connected, a source of love and self-acceptance. I AM able, willing, worthy of deep love and abundance for myself, for others in my life, and in my community.

Hope. I have faith in the future. I choose to let go of control for a specific outcome. There are multiple paths forward. I can focus on the process, as I work towards what I want to be, do, create.

Gratitude. I appreciate the blessings in my life. I fill my heart, mind, body with feelings of gratitude. 3-5 things I am grateful for are...

Curiosity. I am open to non-judgmental awareness as I ask: what went well, what needs work, what is one small thing I will change, and what small step forward will I take?

Zest. I choose to live with energy, vitality, peace, calm, joy, and playfulness.

Blessing. I ask for a Blessing (based on your belief system) and guidance on my journey as I put my virtues into action, in alignment with my Best Self.

If you want to be successful in your long-term goals, focus on the daily process and live in alignment with your virtues. You’ll cultivate a sense of “energized tranquility” and create amazing possibilities in your life.

Here is to a successful and flourishing 2023, y’all!

(Original Article: Gig Harbor Living Local Magazine, January/February 2023)