There were only minutes to go as my friends and I hurried our final declarations for the New Year. We went around the table, drinks in hand, declaring with false bravado, our resolutions for the coming year.
The music was loud, the drinks were plentiful and spirits were high. Everyone felt inspired and ready for the best year of our lives.
And then morning set in.
Image via Wikipedia
I had a headache and fuzzy recollection of the night before. On the table was some writing of my declarations for the coming years. Looking down, I knew I was in trouble. How was I going to make those changes?
Well, long, depressing story, short…I didn’t, and I felt that much worse for not following through.
That was a long time ago and I’ve learned a lot since.
It’s tempting this time of year to make New Years Resolutions. The year is coming to an end, a new one is about to begin and things might not have worked out the way you planned over the past twelve months.
Enter the New Year
It can be a time of renewal and recreation. It’s tempting to declare a “New You!”
Perhaps you’ll start working out more, eating better, making more money or any other number of transformational activities.
The problem with the “New You” Resolutions is that they involve the “Same You” that was responsible for this year’s results.
What that means is when you’re setting resolutions, the only thing that has changed is your desire for different results.
And Desire is Not Enough
Desire is wanting something. Basically it’s a wish. Or as I like to say, it’s a “nice to have.”
How many times have you heard someone say; “I’d love to have a million dollars.” Sure, wouldn’t everyone? That’s not the point.
The point is what are you willing to do to get it?
If you just “want” something if it comes to you, there’s not much chance of getting it.
And New Years Resolutions are one of the quickest ways to set yourself up for failure and another mediocre year.
It’s so tempting to get caught up in the emotion of this time of year and make bold declarations for the coming year.
A Word of Caution
But let me warn you that for most people, this time of year can end up hindering your progress, not accelerating it.
A resolution is a firm decision to do, or not to do, something.
It means this year is going to be different for the reasons outlined in your resolution.
The problem is; 1) you’re still the same, 2) you’re still attempting to change using just desire and willpower…an incomplete recipe.
I’ll be sharing shortly, the best ways to close out the current year and move into the New Year with a chance of developing a New You.
For now, just remember that New Years (or New You) Resolutions can do more harm than good. So tread carefully.
Related articles
- Are You One of the Courageous? (davidkoons.com)
Leave A Reply (No comments So Far)
No comments yet