Good news! We’ve reached that time of year when new year’s resolutions are making their way towards being discarded as fast as a fourth child’s artwork sails into the recycling bin. Even if you already gave up on your new year’s resolutions weeks ago (dry January fail anyone?), you still have reason to keep reading.
Why? Well, hidden within every failure is an opportunity to laugh at ourselves and recommit to creating the success we’re striving for.
And couldn’t we all use some laughter right about now? The correct answer is yes.
Through interviewing people about their failed relationships, I’ve learned achieving success (regardless of whether we’re talking resolutions or relationships) has is a lot more to do with our ability to recommit to the process that moves us towards success than it is about our ability to move immediately from point A to point B without any stops in between. Let’s laugh together as this non-athlete attempts to use a sports metaphor to further illustrate my meaning, okay?
In basketball, it seems to me being able to dribble the ball has a lot more to do with whether we end up scoring a point than if we can stand at one end of the court and throw the ball to the other to sink the basket. Most people can’t make a basket from half-court, let alone full-court (can anybody do that? I don’t follow sports).
However, I believe it’s safe to say most people can dribble a basketball well enough to move towards the basket and eventually get close enough to shoot the ball and score the point. Success is the point, and the point is success. Get it? Was that too awful? I hope not.
Anyway, edging away from my possibly inaccurate use of a sports-related metaphor, have you heard the saying, “If at first, you don’t succeed you’re running about average”?
As true as I know this statement to be, I still hate it. Like you, I want to succeed the first time, and when I don’t, I’m not above putting on a pouty face, throwing a pity party, or tossing in the towel altogether. Having to do something repeatedly before we get the results we want sucks!
But here’s an idea.
What if this time we laughed at our failure to maintain our new year’s resolution(s), and instead of giving up, we gamely recommitted to trying again? What if we laughed at ourselves repeatedly and reached our goals by the end of the year or (even before), not by doing anything impressive, but through an unlikely combination of wry humor and raw determination?
Wouldn’t that be fun and amazing and completely worth the effort to keep going, even when the work feels impossible and it looks like we’re not getting any closer to scoring at all, but simply dribbling the big dumb metaphorical ball over and over again?
I’d like to think it would be, or we wouldn’t have taken the time to make those resolutions in the first place, right? So how about it, are you up for some laughter as we give those resolutions another try?
Let’s get to it!
Danielle Daily is an Author, TEDx speaker, and Host of The Suddenly Single Show podcast where she brings hope to the heartbroken every week through inspiring interviews released each Monday morning. Find The Suddenly Single Show wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts or TheSuddenlySingleShow.com.
Recent Stories
On Monday, January 13, 2025, the Manassas City Council received the Electoral Board’s annual report, presented by Pamela Kincheloe, who is secretary of the city’s electoral board. The report highlighted voter participation trends, the logistics of the 2024 election, and the city’s electoral outcomes. The 2024 voter turnout was 65.46%, down from 72.6% in 2020 and 66.7% in 2016. Early voting continued to grow, accounting for 44.73% of total votes, surpassing in-person voting on Election Day (43.22%), while mail-in voting made up 12.05%. Sunday voting also saw an increase, with 131 voters participating compared to previous years. Turnout by precinct ranged from 61% at Dean Elementary to 73.71% at Rand Elementary. Same-day registration presented logistical challenges, particularly at Weems Elementary, where wait times were extended due to high demand and the additional burden of curbside voting. Same-day voter registration, which began in Virginia with the 2022 General Election, allows individuals to register and vote provisionally after the traditional registration deadline.
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
The Manassas City Council voted unanimously on Monday, January 13, 2024, to purchase a 1.56-acre property in Downtown Manassas from the Manassas Ice and Fuel Company (MIFCO). The $3.1 million acquisition is part of the city’s ongoing strategy to control downtown development and foster community-focused growth.
The newly purchased property, which includes multiple parcels on Center Street, is zoned for industrial use (I-2), allowing developments up to 75 feet in height. City officials highlighted the importance of acquiring the land to guide its future use and prevent projects that may not align with the downtown’s character.
“This purchase ensures that we, as a city, can decide what happens on this key piece of land,” said Vice Mayor Wolfe. “Without this step, the property could have been developed by-right into something like a storage facility or data center, which may not align with our downtown vision.”
Finding the right property management company can make all the difference in ensuring a rental experience that is both profitable for owners and enjoyable for tenants.
Freedom Property Management, led by Principal Broker & Owner Tiffany Izenour, has built a reputation for excellence by prioritizing customer satisfaction, proactive property care, and seamless operations. Here are the top reasons why both renters and property owners choose Freedom Property Management—and why they stay.
1. Unmatched Customer Service
At Freedom Property Management, customer service isn’t just a priority; it’s a promise. Tiffany emphasizes the team’s commitment to delivering a responsive, hands-on experience that keeps clients happy. “Our team is dedicated to making every interaction positive and productive, whether helping a tenant or communicating with an owner. We recently helped a client navigate a complex property issue with a tenant, and we handled every step—keeping them informed without adding stress to their day.” This focus on customer service creates lasting relationships with clients who appreciate the consistent support.
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
Start 2024 on the right foot by prioritizing your mental health and well-being. At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand how challenging life can be—whether it’s managing stress from work, family dynamics, or navigating the complexities of the world around us. Our team is here to help you create balance and find the peace you deserve.
We’re offering a free 15-minute consultation to help you explore how therapy can work for you. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, looking for support, or just want to talk things through, this is the perfect opportunity to take that first step toward a healthier, happier you.
Scheduling is simple and convenient. Choose the option that works best for you:
