January 6, 2020
If you have a dream, at least believe in it. They were given to you for a reason.
Almost everyone has resolutions, goals, or dreams. The turn of the year is often when people start thinking and talking about them: resolutions, resolutions, and more resolutions. "I need to get a job this year," "I should get married this year," "I have to graduate this year," and so on.
But sadly, not everyone’s resolutions come true. Many people end up feeling worthless or hopeless when their goals remain unmet. So, does this mean resolutions are not important? Are resolutions without action just a waste of time?
Let’s dive deeper.
I believe that the mind is the most powerful thing we have, and resolutions are one of the many results of our thoughts. I also believe that nothing in this world is truly pointless.
For example, if your resolution is to graduate this year, but by 2021 you still haven’t achieved it, it’s easy to feel worthless, frustrated, and believe your resolution was all in vain.
To put it simply, resolutions, goals, and dreams are like a double-edged sword. If your resolution is realized, you will experience an overwhelming sense of happiness. But if it isn't, you may lose that happiness, feel discouraged, and wonder if your efforts were futile.
I firmly believe that everything that happens in life has a purpose. You think of a resolution because it's the right time for you to do so. Whether or not your resolution is fulfilled is not the most important part. You experience happiness because it is the right time for happiness. You experience despair because, at that moment, it is meant to teach you something.
Happiness is an achievement or an outcome, but don't be mistaken: failure and despair are also outcomes. So, what do you gain from despair? A choice. The choice to remain down or rise again.
What I want to convey is this: don't be afraid of happiness or sadness. In fact, if you don’t use your mind at all, you’re missing out on your true nature as a human being. Let me remind you of one of humanity’s greatest gifts: Free Will. So, make choices while you can.
The most important thing is to use your mind. Even if your resolution, goal, or dream doesn’t come true, at least you won’t feel empty. The decision you face, as a human being, after setting your resolution, is whether to turn it into a distant dream or make it a reality. Both choices come with their own consequences.
So, don't waste your thoughts: set resolutions. Whether or not they come true is secondary. As long as you are using your mind, you will always learn something valuable from the journey.