With the coming of a new year we greet it with the same old song, “This year I will…” Then a week or two passes and we slide back into our same old habits, tossing aside the resolutions we entered into; as if we are indebted to our habits and refuse to boldly go where no person has gone before — at least, where we have never ventured before.
Perhaps we are confused on what resolutions are and why they are so difficult to keep. That would explain why so many New Year’s resolutions are broken with each New Year season.
Some resolutions are commendable and offer the recipient a great deal of benefit. “I vow to lose twenty pounds by June”, or “I will quit smoking”, are just a few. Then there are those others that are just, well, let’s say, self-aggrandizing. “My resolution is to own a Lamborghini (on a modest $35,000.00 annual salary, I don’t think so!).” And one of my favorites, “This is the year I will find a husband (or wife), marry and live happily ever after”. Let’s face it you are 46 years old and there is a reason why you are still single.
What is a “resolution”? First, it requires much more than reciting a sentence or verse and expecting miraculous change. It requires action on the part of the individual entering into the declaration of a resolution.
Resolution is a determination followed by a strong will. One must act boldly and courageously in earnest towards the goals set forth, which takes fortitude and put plainly — guts. And by all means, if you are serious about your resolution you must first be honest and truthful with yourself.
Have you set reasonable and attainable goals? Can you admit you are willing to stand firm in your decision and doggedly pursue the fixed purpose, to persevere even when the odds are against you? Do you have the resolve to sincerely devote the willpower required?
Too often we enter into resolutions with little forethought to the plan. That is why many resolutions fail. Also, don’t set yourself up for failure. If you know the plan is doomed from the get-go, then it is at best a weak resolution. To say, “My resolution is to give up consuming alcohol”, but you work in a bar, all your friends are heavy social drinkers and your family parties like it’s 1999, that is a weak resolution — one you are sure to fail. However, you can say, “My resolution is to drink less and begin finding ways to surround myself with better role models.”
New Year’s resolutions take backbone and a renewed frame of mind. You must believe you are unwavering and unconquerable. Devotion to mastering your accomplishments will bring a greater sense of fulfillment and pride when you have gone the distance.
What a resolution is not; it is not compliance, indecision and weakness. All too often resolutions are entered into with the presumption, “All I have to do is follow a few basic rules and it’s all good.” My friends, that is referred to as compliance. That is what we do in order to make drive to and from work without getting a speeding ticket. The other error we allow is the occasional, “Well, it’s okay just as long as I only do it once (slip back to the old behavior).” No! That is indecision and it makes you a casualty of weakness.
The recipe for a successful New Year’s resolution is to remember to set reasonable attainable goals. Be honest and courageous when deciding your resolution and be willing to participate in the process of attaining your resolution. Lastly, do not waver. Your resolution is a process of re-creation, which you are in full control of — be willing to take matters into your hands and enjoy the benefits when your goals have been met!
By the way — my New Year’s resolution is to publish two books in 2013 (very doable) and to better my current health situation (which includes losing weight and quitting my nasty habit of smoking cigars). Will I succeed in reaching all my resolutions? You bet your sweet bumpkiss I will!
Dane Ladwig
You can follow Author Dane Ladwig on his website at: http://www.daneladwig.com