Last week, I wrote about New Year’s resolutions to keep your cats happy and healthy. Today, let’s talk about New Year’s resolutions in general. Most people make them. There’s just something irresistible about a new year with its blank slate. The idea of a fresh start has great appeal. Then why is it that year after year, most New Year’s resolutions get broken by the end of January?
I think it’s because there’s an inherent flaw in the term “resolution.” According to Merriam Webster, the definition of resolution is “the act of determining.” There’s nothing there that says we’re actually going to do something. This is why I prefer to set New Year’s intentions. The definition of intention is “a determination to act in a certain way.” The difference is subtle, but one (intention) implies that we are actually determined to do something differently, whereas the other (resolution) simply states that we’ve decided to change something.
Setting an intention is nothing more than focusing your thoughts on what you would like to create in your life. That doesn’t mean you won’t still have to do the work, but it sets you up for a more successful outcome. Since losing weight is one of the most popular New Year’s resolution, let’s use that as an example:
Rather than making a resolution to loose weight, which focuses on the negative (the extra weight you’re trying to get rid of), set the intention that you’re going to have a healthy, slender body that feels good. Now that’s not to say you can just think yourself thin. You’ll still have to exercise more and eat right, but by setting the intention and focusing your thoughts on the desired outcome, you will find yourself wanting to make choices that are in alignment with your desired goal. Making the necessary changes won’t feel like a battle or a chore.
This year, one of my New Year’s intentions is to eliminate phrases such as “there’s never enough time, I’m so rushed, I feel overwhelmed” from my vocabulary. Rather than focusing on a perceived lack (of time), I’m going to try to focus on staying organized, being productive, and having balance in my life. To be successful, I have to be present and make conscious choices in support of my goal.
And when it comes to being more present, I have the best support team I could ask for: Allegra and Ruby! Cats are masters at living in the moment. They don’t worry about running out of time to chase that catnip mouse, being too rushed to enjoy their meal, or not getting enough sleep. I think if I look to them for guidance, I can’t help but succeed.
Do you make New Year’s resolutions? How do you make sure that you keep them?
…my new years resolution this year is to never in my life play the tuba…. my theme is to adamantly pursue an increase of kindness in the world. I think they work well together!
The world can definitely use more kindness, and less tuba 🙂
I am really grateful for your post today, Ingrid! For 2012, I am working with a “theme” for the year, rather than resolutions.
This paragraph of yours …
“This year, one of my New Year’s intentions is to eliminate phrases such as ”there’s never enough time, I’m so rushed, I feel overwhelmed” from my vocabulary. Rather than focusing on a perceived lack (of time), I’m going to try to focus on staying organized, being productive, and having balance in my life. To be successful, I have to be present and make conscious choices in support of my goal.”
… is exactly what I’m dealing with in my life, too. Thank you for giving me an element to work with that I hadn’t thought of … how I word my thoughts and written words about my Theme for 2012.
I’m really intrigued with your theme approach, Pam. Can you tell me a little more about that?
This blog post will get you started exploriing the topic … it’s where I got the idea from, as well as following the links within it:
http://www.livinginseason.com/uncategorized/new-year-planning/
I like this idea very much, Pam – a much more holistic approach than simply setting a goal. Thanks for sharing the link!
I decided I was tired of my aching lower back, and started doing Pilates again. I get up a half hour earlier and work out. And guess what–my back DOES feel better. Positive reinforcement works.
Pilates saved my back, Trish. I’m glad you started it again and that you’re already seeing results.
Research shows it’s better to make resolution publicly and risk failing (about 50% by years end) than not making one at all. I agree with your resolution of choosing words carefully. I vow to stop saying crazy busy 😉 P.S. the photo of Odin is not from my Cat Wisdom 101 calendar but made just for fun.
Words are powerful. I think you’ll find that by just not using the words, you’ll feel more peaceful. So far, it’s working for me.
It’s a great idea to focus on the positive instead of trying to get rid of the negative. It’s trying to find a solution in the first place, Ingrid. Thank you for this great post. I am also too busy, and will try to focus on having more time with my furry babies, who by the way, resolved to be naughty this year. 🙂
http://taildom.com/blog/fiction/naughty-cats-dogs-resolve-to-be-naughty/
Daniela, I’m not letting Allegra and Ruby read your post!
too funny….every time someone wrote about “resolutions” I commented that I was using the word “intentions”…..leaves room for change……..not rigid…….
“Great minds” 🙂
Great minds indeed, Caren 🙂