Many will agree that 2016 was a tough year. As a way of preparing for 2017, most people are probably doing the same thing they do every year – set New Year’s resolutions. What many people don’t realize is that according to a University of Scranton study, only 8% of people achieve their New Year’s goals. With such prospects, why set them at all?
So, this year I’ve decided to try an experiment and I welcome you to try it with me. Rather than starting the year with a list of goals that I’ll probably fail at, I’m going to try something a little different. I’m going to replace my New Year’s resolutions with a “wish list” of all the things I desire to manifest. I’m not going to worry about the “how” or “when”. That’s boring. There are too many moving parts involved. Instead, I’ll leave those details to the source of power that keeps the universe running. You can refer to this source as God, Divinity, Universe, Source, Mystic Law, Myoho – it doesn’t matter. All that matters is the awareness that I don’t have all the answers at my fingertip, but some force bigger than me does.
My only focus will be on the “what”- the things that I wish to manifest because they add joy to my life. As far as I’m concerned, nothing is too big or small. I’l keep adding to my list as I see fit. If at some point my desire for certain things change before they manifest, I’ll remove them. That’s it. Simple.
Wish List vs. New Year’s Resolutions
At this point, you’re probably wondering how creating a wish list is better than setting New Year’s resolutions. Well, let me count the ways:
- With a wish list, there is no pressure to achieve any goals since there are none.
- I don’t have to figure out any steps on “how” to make any goals happen. I simply trust that I’ll be led to the right people, place and/or circumstances that will help my wishes to manifest. Call it intuition, if you like..
- I don’t have to force myself to make any changes that I’m not ready to make.
- I can finally just focus on things that bring me joy and happiness.
What it boils down to is this – most of the time, resolutions fail. So, why continue to do the same thing every year while expecting different results? Sounds insane to me. With this experiment, you have nothing to lose but a few minutes of your time. You have the opportunity to become like a child who’s making a list for Santa. That’s way more fun than setting goals.
Example of a Wish List
In case you’re wondering what’s on my wish list, below you’ll find a sneak peak. I like to write my wishes in the present tense, as if I already have them. There are many theories beyond the scope of this post as to why focusing on desires as if it they already exists is more powerful than focusing on them in future tense. If you’re really curious, two good resources to get you started are The Power by Rhonda Byrne and Money, and the Law of Attraction: Learning to Attract Wealth, Health, and Happiness by Esther Hicks. Without further adieu, here are the top 8 items on my list:
- I reach my ideal weight in the healthiest and funnest way possible.
- All of my friends, family and myself have absolute happiness, optimal health, peace of mind and victory in all areas.
- I’m debt free.
- I have enough money saved up to last for at least one year.
- I have multiple sources of income.
- My relationships are improved, especially local ones, and I have a great network of support for Conrad and myself.
- Conrad thrives at school and makes many more friends.
- I’m 100% self-employed and doing work that’s both fulfilling to me and adds value to the lives of others.
I have more items to add, but you get the point. I have no idea how many of the things on my list will manifest, but that’s OK. I’ve come to believe that it’s not my job to worry about all of that. Whatever wisdom or resources I need will present themselves.
So, let’s see how it all goes. I’ll keep you updated in future posts. If you’re joining me in this experiment, have fun making your wish list. Also, let me know about your experience. Blessings to you and Happy New year!
Also published on Medium.