Treasure Tuesday: Ditch the Resolutions, Find Your Gift

Here we are—the final day of 2024. This time last year, we said goodbye to Betty, and this week, we lost Jimmy. Two icons who each lived a century, witnessing everything life could throw at them, and yet their legacies were steeped in empathy—for people, animals, and the world around them. Betty and Jimmy had their gifts, and they shared them generously.

As we stand hours away from ringing in a new year, many of us will be tempted to embrace the tradition of resolutions:

- Exercise more.

- Eat healthier.

- Read more books.

- Be nicer.

- Save money.

- Declutter the closet of clothes we outgrew pre-COVID.

All good goals, but let’s be honest—how often do these resolutions stick? We promise ourselves these changes, but there’s something missing. The truth is, most resolutions fail because they feel like chores, not gifts.

The Missing Piece: Your Gift

If you’ve read my earlier blogs, you’ll know I work in the field of behavior. My lens is all about reinforcement—what rewards us, what gets us to that happy, relaxed, and engaged (HRE) place. For me, it’s my solo walks. They’re my number-one reset button, the time I give my mind the space to focus and breathe.

So, here’s my take: resolutions shouldn’t be about punishment or deprivation. They should be about discovering and nurturing what brings us joy, fulfillment, and, yes, even a little spark of magic.

Finding Your Hidden Talent: The Benson Boone Story

Let’s talk about Benson Boone. This young man wasn’t even an aspiring singer—he had no idea he could sing. Then, one day, he opened his mouth, and out came a voice that left everyone, including himself, stunned. He went viral with his song Beautiful Things and a trademark front flip to match.

Benson Boone's journey from discovering his vocal talent unexpectedly to achieving international success exemplifies the power of uncovering and embracing one's hidden gifts. His story serves as an inspiration to explore and develop our own unique talents.

The Stories of Julia Child, Vera Wang, and Max Alexander

Hidden gifts aren’t always uncovered early in life. Take Julia Child, for instance. She didn’t even step into a kitchen with purpose until her late 30s, but her time in France awakened a passion for French cuisine. That discovery led to a legendary career that changed how Americans think about food.

Then there’s Vera Wang. After years as a competitive figure skater and later a fashion editor, she discovered her gift for design at age 40. Her wedding dresses are now iconic, but her journey to fashion wasn’t a straight line—it was about uncovering a hidden talent and embracing it.

On the other end of the spectrum, we have Max Alexander, a 7-year-old fashion prodigy. At just 4 years old, Max declared he was a dressmaker and began creating stunning designs. His passion and talent have led him to sell his creations internationally and even showcase his work at New York Fashion Week. Max's journey reminds us that age is no barrier to discovering and pursuing our hidden talents.

Rethinking Resolutions: Want, Not “Should”

Most resolutions are doomed because they’re rooted in obligation, not desire. Do you really want to quit your daily Starbucks run because it’s “too expensive”? Or spend weekends decluttering size-six jeans you’re unlikely to wear again?

Sure, some goals (like organizing) can spark joy—there’s something cleansing about paying your items forward. But resolutions shouldn’t feel like punishment. They should feel like gifts you give yourself, opportunities to explore what makes you happy.

Ideas for Turning Resolutions Into Rewards

If you’re stuck on how to find your hidden treasure, here are a few ideas:

Love cooking? Take a class to hone a special skill—like perfecting the art of pasta or mastering French pastries. The reward? Preparing a meal so amazing, it becomes the highlight of your time with friends.

Tired of waiting on home repairs? Sign up for a basic DIY class. Not only will you save money, but you can use the extra cash to treat yourself to that yoga membership you’ve been eyeing.

Passionate about photography? Invest in an online course. Your newfound skills could capture priceless memories or even inspire a side hustle.

Drawn to sewing or crafting? Dive into a project—maybe it’s designing clothes, upcycling old garments, or even quilting. Your creations could become cherished treasures for family and friends.

These aren’t resolutions—they’re gifts to yourself, avenues for joy, growth, and self-discovery.

A New Perspective for the New Year

Keanu Reeves said it best:

"None of us are getting out of here alive, so please stop treating yourself like an afterthought. Eat the delicious food. Walk in the sunshine. Jump in the ocean. Say the truth that you’re carrying in your heart like hidden treasure. Be silly. Be kind. Be weird. There’s no time for anything else."

Let’s make this the year of uncovering and celebrating our gifts. Your talent—whatever it is—has the power to bring you happiness and meaning. Whether it’s singing, cooking, writing, or something else entirely, it’s time to embrace it.

Betty and Jimmy lived their gifts. Benson Boone found his. Julia Child discovered hers in a kitchen in Paris. Vera Wang found hers with fabric and design. Max Alexander is showcasing his on runways at just 7 years old. And now, it’s your turn.

Happy Treasure Tuesday and Happy New Year. Here’s to a year of finding, embracing, and sharing your treasures with the world.