I usually don’t make resolutions and the rare times that I have, it has been something that I wanted to change about myself anyway. The new year provided a good starting point on the change, but was not instrumental in affecting the change. The reason I was able to keep one resolution in particular, is that I was resolute about it. The reason so many resolutions are not kept is that so many people aren’t truly resolute.
Resolute: admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering; synonyms: determined, purposeful, resolved, adamant, single-minded, firm, unswerving, unwavering, steadfast, staunch, stalwart, unfaltering, unhesitating, persistent, indefatigable, tenacious, strong-willed, unshakable
I’m not here to beat you up though. Many people fail their resolutions, not because they don’t really want to change in certain ways, but because they do, or fail to do, certain things that result in lower their chances for success. These can include having unrealistic goals to shoot for, such as wanting to lose an unhealthy amount of weight or floss as frequently as your dental hygienist would like. Another reason for failure would be not having any way to measure your progress. I want to eat healthier and exercise more. Does that mean walking to the mailbox instead of driving and having just one ice cream sundae when we make our nightly trip to Dairy Queen? In some cases, it might.
We set ourselves up for failure all too often, and if we were to ponder our choices I think we would have to accept this to be true. And it doesn’t help when our regular routine doesn’t begin on January 1. You should set a beginning date for your resolution that is not going to be difficult during the tail end of the holiday period. My family has New Year’s breakfast at Village Inn, re-branded as “VI” or as I like to call it “Roman Numeral 6.” Saying I will avoid pancakes in the new year just isn’t going to happen, but saying that I will avoid them as of January 4 is more feasible. It really isn’t, but I think you understand my point.
Anyway, my resolution is the same as it has been for over a decade. I am resolved to no longer make New Year’s resolutions, but am resolved to be resolute in areas where I recognize the need and benefit of change.
