As the years quickly pass, the tendency to make New Year resolutions decreases. However, I encourage you to have the discipline to make at least two resolutions this year—even if you do not implement them. The reason is that resolutions carry an inference that you can change. This can be extended to thoughts of having control in how one reacts to situations in life—–that one is not a victim.
Resolutions bring a sense of empowerment, that you are the master of your life. The last two lines of “Invictus” by William Henley embrace this concept: “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.”
Here are a few resolutions that may work for you (or at least be a launch pad to new resolutions you can commit to):
- Before going to sleep each night, I will reflect on the day and ask, “Where could I have produced a more positive response?”
- I am going to make an effort to avoid taking on other people’s problems by helping them help themselves.
- I will practice, “How can I change that into a reflective question?”
A simple way to implement resolutions is to think of a circle. Put those things that are easy for you inside the circle. Place those that require more effort—goal setting, more focus—outside the circle. When you accomplish one of the goals outside the circle, your circle has grown—and so have you.
Happy New Year!
