“Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any one thing.” Abraham Lincoln
Did you know most people screw up the meaning of New Years resolutions?
What does resolution really mean? A resolution means you have resolved to be different. Resolve is a powerful word. It’s not flighty, it’s not a change of mind, or a pathetic try to do something. Resolve means you are NOT going to do something ever again. Or you ARE going to do something whether it kills you. Resolve is a firm decision to take actions so you’ll never have to live a certain way again.
Enslaved people resolve and then fight to be free.
Thus a resolution is two things – a passionate declaration and a fight for change.
In the case of resolving to quit a bad habit: resolving means you are fed up. You are not going to do the bad thing ever again. To break a your resolve would require medieval torture.
If you resolved to quit smoking in 2009 but you are still smoking, you weren’t outraged enough. It wasn’t a resolution, it was a goal with temporary motivation.
Resolve is more than a personal commitment, it implies you’ve already changed.
Women who RESOLVE to leave a relationship with an abuser take actions and follow through. They hire an attorney. They ignore the pleas, threats and false words “I will change”. And they leave – even if it literally kills them. They fight the fight. THAT is resolve.
They can take the risks and actions necessary because resolve means they are done. No matter what happens from here on out, they are done with that phase of their life.
Yes, a resolution involves brashness, courage, and fire. It is a call to arms.
So a resolution to lose 50 pounds is nonsensical. If you are resolved, fed up and not going to take it any more, shouldn’t it be “I am done weighing over X pounds – period – end of story! Even if I have to chain up my refrigerator I’ll never weigh this much again.” THAT is how resolve sounds.
But there is more than just sounding resolved. You must make a plan against impending Bon Bons. And you must fight. And fight – even if it means for the rest of your life.
Resolve involves a passionate declaration AND steady action… forever. You never hear of enslaved people casually walking away from their captors temporarily. They make detailed plans and they act those plans until they are free. To ask a former slave whether he’d willingly go back would prove you wise enough to buy the bridge I have for sale in Florida.
When we picture a new years resolution, we may see the fireworks, new years eve horns, and streamers. It can take the wind out of what a resolution really is – a fire of determination and the resulting action which will elevate you from one life situation to another. But as smart people, we need to see beyond those colorful displays.
So when you set your new years resolution today, get fired up. Get angry. Get determined.
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Make a Difference in 2010
Most of us make new year’s resolutions. Some of us have already broken them and some will take a little longer to break them.
Making resolutions is difficult but breaking them is very easy.
But for some of us who make the resolution and put our whole hearted effort to keep them, 2010 will make a difference.
Many of us make difficult resolutions even though we are mentally not prepared ourselves to keep them. This effects the Attitude and also leads to frustration or a guilt feeling.
Try these simple steps this time
1. Make small and simple resolutions
2. Write them down
3. Display them in places where your eye catches them everyday
4. Declare your resolutions to your family and friends
5. Make a small self-talk giving out the reason why you made that resolution, what do you achieve if you keep the resolution and a little self affirmation that you have the strength to keep the resolution.
As much as I would like to deny that what you are saying is true, I know I would be lying.
The problem is its easy to make firm decisions when you are fed up or get a great opportunity like New Years Resolution. But its hard to maintain the well power.
After reading this article I realised that I don’t know when and how but I have lost my will power as a man, and my resolution is that I don’t know how or when, but I’m gonna get it back.
Wow! This was a very powerful post. Incredible!
I just read this 10 days after the New Year began and I am now rethinking my “resolutions” – or at least wondering whether I do have “resolve” or whether its just temporary motivation.
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