3 Podcasts for New Year Resolution-ing

Are you big on new year’s resolutions? I am, in a realistic and grounded way (I like to think). Below are some podcast episodes that got my wheels turning about the topic. I hope they get you thinking about goals in a new way, decision making, productivity, and living your best life.

1. Jesse Itzler on Wild Ideas Worth Living
   Jesse is an entrepreneur, musician, and athlete. Intensity and ferocity describe him. I highly recommend his book, Living with a SEAL, for a laugh and for when you need some motivation to take on big challenges.
   
   Key takeaways:
   – 1 to 2 quarterly goals are more successful than 4 to 8 annual goals. Science has proven it. Don’t think you will be the exception.
   – An “all in” mentality is a major key. Meaningful results from any goal – whether it be creative, health-based, or profession – probably take months, even years to cultivate. Persevere and be patient.
   
   
2. Yancey Strickler on Don’t Keep Your Day Job
   Yancey is a co-founder and former CEO of Kickstarter. Author of This Could Be Our Future: A Manifesto for a More Generous World.
   
   Key Takeaways
   – Bentoism: now me, future me, now us, future us. It’s a decision-making framework. You can learn more at www.bentoism.org. The philosophy challenges you to think beyond selfish and short-term interests.
   – The Japanese idea: be 80% full so there is room for tomorrow. This was an important message to me, someone who has been listing possible New Years goals and resolutions for weeks already. It’s unrealistic to try to do everything on that list. I will focus on the most meaningful and discard the rest.
   
   
3. Ryder Carroll on Routines & Ruts
   Ryder created the Bullet Journal, is the author of The Bullet Journal Method, and a proponent of stoic philosophy
   
   Key Takeaways
   – A goal is about setting a direction, not a target. He describes it akin to ship, which does not navigate toward the lighthouse but rather toward the shore with the help of the lighthouse. Focus less on the specific outcome, and more on the overall improvement.
   – Productivity can’t be achieved without fun and freedom. Ryder describes his daily lunch break as an hour-long recess where he can do anything he wants. Creating this balance in your life is so important. Without a feeling of freedom and exploration your goals won’t be as achievable or if they are, not as satisfactory.
   
   
4. Elsie and Emma of A Beautiful Mess (honorable mention)
   This is the episode that keeps it real – maybe resolutions aren’t all that! Emma has two real issues with the idea of New Year Reolution-ing:
   – There is a strong dissonance between New Year’s Eve, which is about frivolity and indulgence, and January 1st when one should begin their goals or resolutions, which require discipline. Therefore, if you want to celebrate NYE without the guilt or struggle of waking up early and exercising the next day, then allow yourself to! You can start your goals on any other day of the year. More on that below.
   – There is not enough time in the week between Christmas and NYE to evaluate what your goal(s) should be. Therefore, if you didn’t spend any time in November or early December to plan your NYR you may not be ready to start on January 1st. Instead, Emma chose to start on her birthday in late January.

Do you practice new year resolutions? Why or why not? What have you resolved to do in 2021?

Wishing you the best,
Allegra