Resolutions? A Thing of the Past

Here we are at the end of another year staring the next one right between its eyeballs. The grand finale to 2007 is tomorrow and the day of great awakening thereafter. To some, the thought of facing a new year stirs a desperate optimism.. “A new year? I can’t bear to go through another year like this last one. Something’s gotta change!” To others, ringing in the New Year generates a raw excitement. Last year was beautiful and kind and this year will certainly be better, once the weather warms up (it’s freezing in Utah).

At this emotional time of year, both extremes, desperation and excitement and every emotion in between, have one common trait… a veritable hope for something brighter and better this year. Given the title of this entry, you can probably guess the subject matter…

What would a New Year be without New Year’s Resolutions?

Hmm… Well, if this last year’s accomplishments are any indication, or those of the dozen previous years, resolutions just aren’t working for me, or most of society. I can tell you one thing; a new year with resolutions would be all too familiar wouldn’t it? We want change; different, brighter, better, right? Good.

This fastidious time of year when we all put on our optimistic hats often includes the public sharing of one’s resolutions: lose 10 lbs, gain 20 lbs, get out of debt, get up early, run, make more money, a meaningful relationship, eat well, frequent volunteer service, etc. We’ve all heard each of these at least once.. (at least ONCE a year). 99 times out of 100, though we really want change, our resolutions are quickly forgotten on New Year’s Day and never spoken of again.

Too often we’re caught off guard on New Year’s Eve when we’re put on the spot to share our resolutions (which everyone assumes we have made a genuine effort to create some). Instead, we summon some fleeting resolution from our foggy mind and forget it the next second. In the morning on New Year’s Day we roll out of bed at the crack of noon and are already behind in accomplishing our resolves. We get discouraged and give up on the first flippin’ day… that’s only if you came up with a resolution important enough to remember the next morning. Not a good way to ring in the New Year and foster meaningful change when change is what we really want.

“New Year’s is a harmless annual institution, of no particular use to anybody save as a scapegoat for promiscuous drunks, and friendly calls and humbug resolutions.”
—Mark Twain

All too often Mr. Twain is proven genius with this pithy statement. New Year’s has truthfully been a harmless institution full of humbug resolutions. But will it continue to be so in your life or mine? For me, I confess, it’s continued long enough and it stops right here on this spot —> ^.

This post serves as motivation for me to make this year’s goals more than just mere resolutions. Anyone can resolve to do anything and not progress one inch toward achievement in the process. It’s not enough just to resolve.

How about this year we don’t just resolve but actually do. Nike.. just do it. Make changes by planning and implementing that plan. How do you make a plan? Stay tuned.

Morale of the story: Don’t let this New Year be a new start for your old habits. Resolve to do more than resolve and then do what’s more.