Why Make A Resolution?

                    Why Make A Resolution?
             © Chessie Roberts 2010, EOS Used by permission


“Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become character. Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.” - Tom Krause

A resolution is usually made in the heat of the moment without much thought. It is usually made as a lofty proclamation without expectation of achievement. Because of these circumstances, they are doomed to fail, and…they do; leaving the maker with a sense of failure or a “see, I told you so” mind set.

I used to be one of those people until I decided just never make resolutions again. Guess what? I was able to keep that one. In reality a resolution is just another way to set a goal for yourself. They should be made the same way we set any other goal. We aren’t usually taught how to do that so here are some guide lines.
1) Goals are good to have because they let us see that we are progressing in the direction we feel we want to go.
2) They give us a time frame in which to work so we know when to push or hold back.
3) Set something for yourself that you truly believe you can accomplish. Be kind to you and start gently if you are new at this.
4) Set a realistic time frame, remember; Rome wasn’t built in a day.
5) Review your desired outcome to see just what the baby steps are that will get you the desired outcome.
a) Are they easier to reach?
b) Will the time frame for each step be more acceptable to you?
c) Will your reward for the achievement of each step help you move on to the next one?

Baby step goals are usually the best way to go because you don't get discouraged and quit. If you shoot straight for the whole thing at once, chances are you will either not recognize it when you get there or stop just before success.

You will find that by following these few steps toward creating something truly worthwhile to you, you will start your year out with a sense of accomplishment that will set the tone for a purposeful and prosperous year. Happy 2010 everyone.

Bright Blessings. Chessie