Today, February 11, is National Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk Day. This is one of those silly, made-up holidays that we love celebrating. We relish the fact that people have invented so many quirky holidays because it gives us a chance to have fun practically every day!
This holiday is meant to promote a positive outlook on life in the face of a problem. The proverb initially meant that you shouldn’t waste time being upset about a mistake that has already happened. Over the years, it has evolved to mean something more along the lines of “don’t sweat the small stuff.” We think both meanings have value. For the sake of your mental health, it’s essential to learn how to move on after a mistake. And, learning to not catastrophize a problem helps you handle stress.
Early February seems like the perfect time for this holiday. If you have made a New Year’s resolution, you may have broken it by now. Statistically speaking, we all have. But, today is the day to stop beating yourself up and remind yourself you have options.
Pour yourself a glass of delicious and heart-healthy milk while you reflect on the situation. What was the problem with your resolution? Was it too big? Too vague? Was it something you weren’t really interested in doing? Once you know the problem with your resolution, you can make a new plan. You can recommit to it after retooling it. Or you can make a new resolution that aligns more with your goals and personality. Or you can skip a firm resolution and instead create an outlined plan to reach a goal.
Having a plan is the best way to change your life and avoid missing your goals. Having a finish line in mind is great. But making a roadmap to get there is better. Use today as an opportunity to move on from past failures and figure out how to achieve your desired outcome. There is no point in feeling upset about falling down when you can get up and dust yourself off!
Instead of worrying about past slip-ups, embrace the spirit of this holiday and don’t cry over spilled milk. Release yourself from any guilt you have for failing to live up to a plan. There’s the expression that “Tomorrow is a new day.” But today is a new day; the next second is a new second. You can constantly recommit yourself to a goal. You don’t have to wait for a new year or some special time to make a change in your behavior.
