The definition of “resolution” is quite in depth. For most people’s purposes, they are simple or major changes, or goals, we have to do at the end of every year in which something good should be the result. Too many of us that might include lose weight, stop smoking, eat better, exercise more, etc. There are those too, who decide that perhaps they need to better themselves in other ways. For example, there are some who feel they need to call mom more, spend more time helping make money for charity, learn to play chess, etc. Consequently resolutions vary.
The common thread for a majority of resolutions is that they are typically broken. Oh sure, we decided that diet was a must and that we finally felt ready to tackle that extra 25 pounds, but by January 3rd, the diet was cast aside. Poof, the resolution to shed those pounds all gone. So are resolutions just rituals?
For most of us, the answer is yes. For others, it truly is a way of taking a good hard look at ourselves and deciding changes have to be made, or should be made (like healthy changes). Whether it is to make a change for the good of our health, or the good of others, resolutions are made.
I used to make resolutions, but after many failures, I decided one year to only make goals. Yes, it’s the same damn thing, but the word “goal" is less threatening to me. In the end it worked. I also decided that my goals had to be more realistic. Making the goal to parachute out of a plane was not realistic. I am afraid of heights. Last year I had the following three goals: 1) read more books, other than what was required for school, 2) learn to knit (nicely), and 3) Finally get that nursing degree. Missions accomplished!
This year my goals are simple again, and realistic.
* Really learn to make homemade pasta and do it make more often.
* Continue on the road to obtaining my Masters in Nursing
* Learn more Spanish
* Organize the basement, once and for all!
I am not an expert on making and keeping resolutions or goals, but I do know that once you have decided you are ready to make that New Year's resolution/goal and stick to it, you need to develop a plan of action and make that plan a priority. One of the most important secrets to keeping those New Year's resolutions/goals is to take the process of change one day at a time. And it is OK to make big changes by taking small steps. If you can do just a little bit to get going, soon you will feel the positive effects of the change. And that little bit of change can lead to long-term healthy habits or new knowledge that can last far beyond New Year's Day.
Happy and Healthy New Year!
"New Year's is the only holiday that celebrates the passage of time. Perhaps that's why,
as the final seconds of the year tick away, we become introspective. Inevitably, that
introspection turns to thoughts of self-improvement and the annual ritual of making
resolutions, which offer the first of many important tools for remaking ourselves!"
The common thread for a majority of resolutions is that they are typically broken. Oh sure, we decided that diet was a must and that we finally felt ready to tackle that extra 25 pounds, but by January 3rd, the diet was cast aside. Poof, the resolution to shed those pounds all gone. So are resolutions just rituals?
For most of us, the answer is yes. For others, it truly is a way of taking a good hard look at ourselves and deciding changes have to be made, or should be made (like healthy changes). Whether it is to make a change for the good of our health, or the good of others, resolutions are made.
I used to make resolutions, but after many failures, I decided one year to only make goals. Yes, it’s the same damn thing, but the word “goal" is less threatening to me. In the end it worked. I also decided that my goals had to be more realistic. Making the goal to parachute out of a plane was not realistic. I am afraid of heights. Last year I had the following three goals: 1) read more books, other than what was required for school, 2) learn to knit (nicely), and 3) Finally get that nursing degree. Missions accomplished!
This year my goals are simple again, and realistic.
* Really learn to make homemade pasta and do it make more often.
* Continue on the road to obtaining my Masters in Nursing
* Learn more Spanish
* Organize the basement, once and for all!
I am not an expert on making and keeping resolutions or goals, but I do know that once you have decided you are ready to make that New Year's resolution/goal and stick to it, you need to develop a plan of action and make that plan a priority. One of the most important secrets to keeping those New Year's resolutions/goals is to take the process of change one day at a time. And it is OK to make big changes by taking small steps. If you can do just a little bit to get going, soon you will feel the positive effects of the change. And that little bit of change can lead to long-term healthy habits or new knowledge that can last far beyond New Year's Day.
Happy and Healthy New Year!
"New Year's is the only holiday that celebrates the passage of time. Perhaps that's why,
as the final seconds of the year tick away, we become introspective. Inevitably, that
introspection turns to thoughts of self-improvement and the annual ritual of making
resolutions, which offer the first of many important tools for remaking ourselves!"
~ Gary Ryan Blair
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