To Re-solute or Not

I know the time for New Year’s Resolutions are supposed to be New Year’s Day – but I will give me a pass because it took me a couple of weeks of deep thinking to come up with resolutions. The first obviously is to quit procrastinating.

I read recently to re-frame the word resolution and put a hyphen in it. Re – Solution. This is a marvelous suggestion! For that really is the entire intention – fixing an old problem. You know the old saying if you keep doing things the same way and keep getting the same unwanted results – it is time to change the way you
are doing things.

One of the things I do is to re-solute every day to be just a little bit better than I was the day before. This does not always work – but keep working it.

The following are just a few examples of re-solutions I have done in the past.

I need to lose 15 to 20 pounds.

The new solution is: To journal about my relationship with food. This will help me to discover why I eat when I eat – other than the obvious that I eat when I am hungry. Is it possible that I eat when I am bored, depresses, anxious – to be social?

With these facts understood, I can find alternative ways to express those emotions that are healthier.I can also work on portion control.

I need to exercise more.

The new solution is to schedule regular workout times. To find a workout partner that will assist me in keeping the schedule. I will take classes at the local gym.

I need to read more.

The new solution is I make a list of things that interest me. I then go to the library or bookstore and seek out books on these topics. I schedule regular reading time in my daily activates.

These are just a few thoughts – everyone’s re-solutions are different. The important thing is to discover why you want to change those things – and exactly what it is you want to change. When possible make an appointment with yourself to do these things. Journaling assists in keeping a record of where you have been and where you are. I found over the years that my journal has been a great tool for personal growth.

Remember – all change comes one step at a time.