To make a resolution … or not?
New Year, new decade… so a new start? It’s the big question at this time of year. Do I make a New Year’s Resolution?
The Cambridge Dictionary defines “resolution” as: when you solve or end a problem or difficulty He showed great resolution in facing the robbers. Also an official decision that is made after a group or organization have voted, (also resoluteness) formal approving determination it adds that resolution is “a promise to yourself to do or to not do something”
So making a resolution is about problem solving, decision making, determination and commitment
First the problem solving: The why.
This can be complicated but in general the reason will be more compelling if it’s for your benefit rather than for someone else’s. “Because I want to make my partner/family happy” will only work for a short while and eventually can feel like an additional burden.
The best way to work out why something will be a benefit is to write down a list of what difference the change will make to your life. You’ll probably be surprised at the results.
Then the decision making: What do you want to do?
It’s generally easier to make a decision to actively DO something rather than to passively NOT DO something.
If it’s a vague “I’m going to get fit” or “I’m going to lose weight” or “I’m going to spend less time in the office” your chances of making it stick diminish.
Making a decision is about having a clear idea in your mind of the actions you will make and the timescale you are going to make them in.
Again writing things down is a good way to clarify.
“I will join the gym and have my induction taken by…(Insert date)”
“I will close my diary off to meetings at …(Insert time) each day and leave the office by… (insert time)”
The writing down takes care of the determination part.
Set a time limit. Ensure that your timescale is realistic, that it is long enough to give you space to achieve but not too long because then there is no sense of urgency. Conversely don’t make it so short that you put yourself under too much pressure.
The last part is commitment: Actually getting it done.
Only you can make that step but remember nowhere in the rules does it say “you must do everything yourself”.
Part of solving a problem and making a change is to realise that there are people out there who can help and that’s where we come in….
If you have decided to solve some problems and feel that we can help, give us a call.
Happy 2010 to you… Diane.
