I recently overheard someone talking about their crowded gym. “The resolutioners are back,” they stated. And yes, it’s the time of year when we kickstart New Year’s resolutions by dusting off our gym id cards, reacquainting ourselves with the produce section at the grocery store, and setting new goals to learn and grow.

Personally, I love the chance to reflect on growth from the previous year and set goals for the new one. But well-intended resolutions can easily lead to a serious case of the “I’ll Nevers” as soon as the going gets tough. You may have experienced the “I’ll Nevers” before. It’s that undermining belief that you’ll never be as fabulous, fit, fun or [fill in the blank] as the superhumans who seem to fill social media–so really, what’s the use in trying?

With the world at our fingertips, it’s easier than ever to compare ourselves to others. On social media, we see the highlight reels of people’s lives–but we don’t always understand the blood, sweat and tears that went into making those fantastic moments.

This year, my resolution isn’t terribly trendy and won’t lead to a glowing Instagram photo, but I think it will lead to lifelong rewards. In 2022, my goal is to not conform to the patterns of the world but be transformed by the renewing of my mind.

Because by changing the way we think and approach life, we can find more beauty and joy in ourselves, others and the world around us. Here are some ways we can all think just a little bit differently in 2022.

Find Gratitude
It’s human nature to take joys and blessings for granted while grumbling about the things we don’t have or problems we’re facing. But seeing the glass as half full can literally transform a crummy day into an awesome one.
A great way to change your thoughts is to appreciate and enjoy what you already have, because you don’t have to reserve gratitude for the big things. Did your coffee pot deliver that essential nectar you need to function? Hallelujah. Was there a beautiful sunrise on that bitter cold drive to work? Marvel at it. Were you able to catch some sweet moments with your babies (fur or human) after a hectic day? Savor them.

Savor Your Achievements
If 2022 has you working toward some big scary audacious goals, take time during and after your journey to step back and enjoy your progress, growth and achievements. It’s easy to get locked into the mindset of “I’ll be happy when I reach my goal,” but there’s usually so much learning and growth to celebrate along the way (even if we end up calling it quits early because we realized that goal wasn’t for us). And once you do achieve your goal, pause to enjoy it. We are often so quick to move onto the next challenge, that we don’t take the time to just rest and enjoy our accomplishments.

Embrace Your Inner Child
This doesn’t mean you need to stomp in every puddle in the grocery store parking lot like my kids do (unless that’s your thing, then go for it!). But give yourself permission to marvel, wonder and dream like a child. There are so many truly beautiful and wonderful things in the world that we unseeingly pass each day because we’re distracted by adult cares and concerns.

Be Where You Are
My sister and I are constantly reminding one another, “Wherever you are, be all there.” Put your phone down (turn it on silent if necessary), stop the TV from blaring in the background, eliminate distractions and be fully present. Pay attention to who and what is right in front of you.

Change Yourself Instead of the World Around You
You control you, and that’s it. A bitter attitude toward Pam from work won’t transform her into the perfect co-worker. So, stop fretting when people don’t meet your expectations, and start working on what you can do to live a joyful, peaceful life with or without Pam’s support.

Okay Your Imperfections
In her best selling book, The Gifts of Imperfection, author Brené Brown notes that perfectionism can actually prevent us from being our best: “Perfectionism is the belief that if we live perfect, look perfect, and act perfect, we can minimize or avoid the pain of blame, judgment, and shame. It’s a shield. It’s a twenty-ton shield that we lug around thinking it will protect us when, in fact, it’s the thing that’s really preventing us from flight.”

Ditch the shield, and embrace who you are. I always like to tell my friends. “I am perfectly imperfect, please accept me as I come.”

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This year won’t be perfect, but it holds the potential for great beauty, joy, meaning and growth. I’m going to do my best to lean into that this year. And I hope you do too!