Resolutions......It's That Time Again!!

Resolution is about determination and strong will.  It's about putting your mind toward something and seeing it through to completion.  Other words that come to mind are: dedication, perseverance, heart, energy, intent, tenacity, moxie.  So why are so many "New Years Resolutions" broken before the end of the first week of the new year?  I think we need to put our resolve back into our resolutions.

We live in a quick fix society.  If results are not instantaneous we are quick to pass judgment and proclaim failure.  Likewise, if we fall off the "cold turkey" bandwagon (think diet and smoking cessation here) we feel that we have failed.  "Try, try, try again" has fallen out of favour.  Our confidence is easily shattered at the first small taste of failure and patience is becoming a rare commodity in our culture.

What was your state of mind 10 years ago?  You were probably a different person than you are now.  When you make your resolutions this year think about where you want to be in 10 years time.  Anything is possible over the course of a decade.  Changes in your personal life, your professional life, your spiritual life, it does not matter what it is you desire to change.  With ample time anything is possible.  All you have to do is add the resolve.  Can't quit smoking cold turkey?  Resolve to smoke less each day, each week, each month.  Can't lose 20 lbs in 2 months?  Resolve to walk for 20 minutes 3 times per week, then 4, then 5, then make one walk 30 minutes.  Be tenacious.  Try, try, try again and again.  The slow and patient approach will break down the old habits without the anxiety you have come to associate with the quick fix approach.  Put your attention on what you can do right now and don't get hung up on unattainable goals and past failures.  We really need to enjoy what we are doing everyday.  Resolutions should not be viewed as punishment for past sins.  Resolutions should open the door to a happier life.

What is my resolution this year?  I resolve to be more mindful of each moment and live each one fully.  This year I resolve to give a resounding NO to multitasking every time it rears it's ugly head.  Perhaps we can all resolve to slow down just a little, appreciate our good fortune, then share some of it with someone less fortunate.

Happy New Year!!!