It’s that time of year again.
Out with the old, in with the new.
Every year I try to come up with resolutions. And every year I usually fail to keep them. It's like telling myself I won't eat chocolate anymore. Yeah, right.
According to Dictionary.com, two definitions for resolution are: resolve or determination: to make a firm resolution to do something; and the act of resolving or determining upon an action or course of action, method, procedure, etc.
Eric Zorn said, “Making resolutions is a cleansing ritual of self-assessment and repentance that demands personal honesty and, ultimately, reinforces humility. Breaking them is part of the cycle.”
Be that as it may, this year I would like to keep at least one resolution.
So, I decided — or resolved — to keep them generic, not so specific.
Actually, I already kept one. I finally cleaned out my office. Now I just need to keep the daily influx of paper from taking over again.
I have discovered that the more specific I am with resolutions, the more likely I am to fail to keep them.
It is akin to approaching an event or vacation with high expectations. Invariably, things do not meet our expectations, and we are disappointed.
Case in point, many people start the new year with the resolution of losing weight. Worse, they add in a specific amount of weight.
Or they will say they are going to exercise regularly. Some will even go so far as to give specific number of days and time limits.
I know. I have done that.
So this year, I have determined to, very simply, get in better shape. Notice I did not say I would get in great shape or lose x number of pounds. I simply plan to get in better shape. Hopefully, it will take off into something more.
I can dream can’t I.
Don’t get me wrong. In the back of my obsessive mind, I have already stressed about when and how I would exercise.
But, on paper it looks good. It is just a matter of getting started. Remember, one key to keeping resolutions — so I have been told — is baby steps.
If your interested, I will let you know how it goes.
