Effective New Year Resolutions: How to Succeed

From Oxford Languages
Resolution
Noun
1. a firm decision to do or not do something
2. the quality of being determined or resolute

From Thingstomthinks
Resolution
Noun
1. a the action or inaction someone takes or doesn’t take once every December 31st
2. the unrealistic promises made with high hopes. These promises are often broken soon after every January 1.

Most every day we all see something in our lives we want to change. Most every day we vow to make those changes. Most every day nothing changes.

Yet every year, usually December 31 everyone will make a resolution to do something. Exercise, lose weight, eat less, read more, spend less, save more, go out more often, drink less.

The intentions of these resolutions are fine. Self-improvement, better health, a happier life are all good goals.

Yet these New Year Resolutions almost are always broken by noon January 1. Why? January 1 is a holiday so people are home eating, drinking , nursing headaches and many gyms are closed. Mainly because we just didn’t feel like starting.

We can all keep resolutions. Just not New Years Eve induced resolutions. You can not make changes just because your free United Way Wall Calendar rolls from one year to the next.

For a resolution to be a powerful tool, a commitment that you can live up to. You must be of sound mind, body and spirit. Nothing we aren’t ready for is anything that we will embrace, no matter how well intended.

If you spent time thinking about changes you want in your life, great. I encourage and support everyone who has a dream for a better, fitter, healthier life.

Make a plan. Set a goal. Decide on the actions you are willing to take. Determine a schedule you can live with.

Most importantly, accept that you may miss your goal, may have set backs. Your journey will have ups and down, highs and lows. It’s okay.

The only resolution you have to make is one you can live with. Something for you, set by you and embraced for all the right reasons.

It’s 12:03 and I hear the sound of half-hearted resolutions breaking all over.

I won’t start mine until January 2. I have potato chips to eat!!

Happy New Year.