What is a Resolution Anyway?
Here’s a heavy duty definition from the Oxford Dictionary of the word resolution.
res·o·lu·tion/ˌrezəˈlo͞oSH(ə)n/
1.) a firm decision to do or not to do something.
“She kept her resolution not to see Anne anymore ”
Similar: intention/resolve/decision/intent/aim/aspiration/design/purpose/object/plan/commitment/pledge/promise/undertaking
2). the quality of being determined or resolute.
“He handled the last French actions of the war with resolution“
Similar:
determination/purpose/purposefulness/resolve
~*~*~*~*~*~
Phew…It’s all pretty serious stuff. I mean, hey, “firm decision”, “determination” …. It goes on and on.
I don’t know about you, but to me it sounds like a load of bunk and no fun. To live every day without some choice and adaptability simply doesn’t sound very appealing to me.
IMO, that’s what a resolution does…
It restricts you from living a full life.
Even when done by what I’d call a “coercive choice” (I don’t want to but I’ll force myself to make this choice), and the attitude of “…damn it, I’m going to do it this time…” type of thinking is combative, prohibitive, and frustrating.
Is the Resolution for You and Do You Believe in it?
That sounds like a rather redundant question, doesn’t it?
Think about it though.
If you resolve to lose weight, get in shape, write every day, call your mom every weekend, or to only eat things that are green and pulverized in a blender…. Like is that really YOU?
Does that decision make you happy?
Does it take you further in your life, or is it a blip that is going to leave you flat on your face feeling like a failure because that cupcake was just too sexy to resist, or you injure your wrist and break you leg–oops can’t work out, hey you better call your mom-right now!
Oh, and permission granted to dump the slime that’s floating in your glass right now. How is any of that really you? (and of course my humblest apologies and no judgement passed if that is you).
Can you Make Your Resolution Stick for the Entire Year?
According to an article in the New York Post the average New Year’s resolution lasts just short of two weeks.
Yup, the majority of people give in to the pressure and let it all go. It’s a shame really because it can be so defeating, but there is a solution.
Accept the Fact that Resolutions Don’t work and Move On…
Here’s why resolutions don’t work.
- There’s no flexibility.
- You may be doing them because you think you ‘should’ not because you want to.
- Resolutions are boring.
- It’s all work and no fun.
- The goals are too large.
- The goals could also be unrealistic and unattainable.
- Support is lacking–including your own.
- Deprivation never works.
- There’s no real plan.
- Rewards (however you choose to define that) are taken off the table.
- Starting anything in the middle of winter, right after the holidays…. not a good idea.
You Pushed for Change and Now I want to Nudge You in a slightly different direction…
Here’s the wee Auntie nudge…
Read This… and then Read it Again…
Go! Do what you want to do.
Go have fun and embrace the person that you really are.
Don’t try to be someone else or live by strict rules that impede your own common sense.
Instead of the New Years resolutions, make a list of things you’ve always wanted to do.
Make it a 2022 list…
How about a list of 22 things you want to do, or accomplish, this year.
Each may have their own challenges and require you to alter some behavior, but that will be done because you want to… not because you think you have to.
Make sure you balance your list with those that are attainable–like taking a painting class, to something more physical or demanding like going skydiving. Whatever it is you want to do… Go do it.
Happy New Year. May all of your dreams come true.
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It’s interesting where we supposedly got the tradition-ancient Babylonians made promises to their gods for favors. I wonder if the ancients had just as much difficulty keeping their resolutions as we do.
Hi KS. That is so fascinating. I wonder… Perhaps they didn’t have as many distractions as we do today but then again…the wrath of the gods…😉Could’ve been pretty scary! Interesting. Thanks for stopping by. Don’t be a stranger. 😊Happy New Year! 🎉
Resolutions do have a very serious connotation – I’m deciding to think of them as ways to refresh and energize rather than feel weighed down. I like “things you want to do” as an alternative 🙂
Hi. Resolutions do feel heavy, don’t you think. I think as we grow as individuals we become more aware…or at least I hope we do. I hope you made a great and challenging “to do” list. Happy New Year. 😊🎊
It’s interesting where we supposedly got new year’s resolutions from-ancient Babylonians making promises to their gods for favors. I wonder if the ancients had a difficult time with resolutions as well.
Exactly what I did! My list is only 13 things but that’s plenty.
Yay! Lucky 13! That is plenty and your “want to do” list will keep you busy and focused I’m sure. Thanks for popping in Sally. So appreciated. 🥰Happy New Year.🎉
hahahaha I gave up NY’s resolutions long ago. I do, however, like to list things I want to accomplish in the year, and then I look for the little things that lead to the big things. Once I see the word “resolution,” I turn green and run away.
lol…I love it! Such a lovely picture you’ve painted with the green you running down the hill screaming … The thing is, I’m right behind you!🤣💯 HNY! 🎉
Awesome post! Just what a I needed to hear as I look forward to making some life changes 🙂 I’ve even printed it out 🙂
Great! it makes me so happy when something resonates with a reader. Yay!! Happy New Year Norma. 🎊🎊😊