Resolve the Resolution

On the idea of New Year's Resolutions I found these two definitions to be useful:

• Resolution- the act of analyzing a complex notion into smaller ones.
• Resolve - to deal with successfully or to clear up.

So what about New Year's Resolutions?

I am a fan of setting and outlining goals and understand the success that is found when you identify specifics. It brings clarity to exactly what needs to be accomplished and allows you to more easily reduce the goal into attainable steps; however I often do not make "New Year's Resolutions". (A loud gasp is heard by all readers; 'but you said setting and outlining goals are important?') It is important, but I think the main reason I have kept my distance at the New Year is because I have grouped the idea of a New Year's Resolution in with Santa, the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy. What I mean is it has become just another thing we do. It is seasonal. New Year's Resolutions have a reputation for being broken. There is seldom resolve in the resolution. The complex idea is not often broken down into attainable steps and therefore it can never be dealt with successfully or cleared up.

So then, should we all just give up on the New Year's Resolutions?

No, let's transform them. Let's not only make a statement on the first day of the year, but let's make a statement everyday of the year.

Here are a few thoughts to transform from broken resolutions to resolved ones:

• Spend time understanding your current situation and identify what works and what doesn't so you know where change is needed.

• Spend time understanding your dreams and desires so you can identify where you are headed.

• Write down the big picture of what you what to change and what dreams you want to reach.

• Then identify and write the smaller attainable steps within each.

• Prioritize. What comes first, second, and so on?

So you have identified and understood your goals, broken them down and ordered them into reasonable steps, and written them down for accountability, review, and progress measurement. Now for the final step....

• Resolve. Choose each day to take the needed steps to reach your goals.  

Whether your resolutions are for the New Year or for a new life let 2013 be the year that marks your determination to find resolve in your resolutions.