New Year’s often makes us think of our dreams and what we want to accomplish. That’s not to say it doesn’t come up throughout the year, but there is special significance as we pass over into the beginning of a new year. Many times our New Year’s resolution isn’t new; it’s something we have wanted for a long time.

For many years, my own New Year’s resolution was about going back to school. I wanted to go past the Associate’s degree I had obtained in my twenties to get a Bachelor’s and then a Master’s degree. However, there was always a reason to wait. Surely, I didn’t have time when I was working 50+ hours per week. Even if I could find the time, I would have to figure out how to get a scholarship or financing. And even if I managed to figure all that out, could I even do it? Going back to school seemed daunting and unreachable. That’s why, while I thought about it all year long, it was a New Year’s resolution. Something I would commit to wanting to do but not actually taking the steps to make it happen.

Then a few years ago, as I watched another year tick by, I knew it was time for a change. Time to commit to action instead of simply making the resolution to figure it out in the new year. I started my journey and the domino effect on my life and the positive changes that came were just what I had needed.

It’s easy to become overwhelmed with barriers and doubts on the way to accomplishing our goals. To tell ourselves, after we do this one thing we’ll start working on it. Don’t wait for anything. Tick. Tock.

Karen Jones

Karen Jones is the Chief of Staff at RI International. During the past eight years, she has been involved in the many initiatives at RI including Crisis Now, Zero Suicide, Hope Inc Stories, and others. The mission of RI is close to her heart and the driving force in everything she does to support the people served at RI from guests to employees to our partners.