Resolve the Resolution

December 30, 2018

By Beth Blair

The time of making resolutions is here again.  The time of breaking them will start January 2- February 1. 😉 The thing about a resolution not working is in the definition.  It is a noun, something to be named.  It has no action.  The key to success is not only naming the thing but putting the RESOLVE into it. So, by definition, a resolution (noun) is “the firm determination to do something.” Resolve is defined as “settle or find a solution or decide firmly on a course of action.” My friend Merriam-Webster also has a noun definition for resolve and guess what?  It is the same definition as resolution… “firm determination to do something.” What are you determined to DO? Doing is action!

Each year at New Years, many people make fitness resolutions and join a gym, flock to the fitness classes and workout equipment. The “regulars” in the classes get frustrated by the crowded classes and inconvenience that comes from the month of January.  As a former group exercise instructor, I would assure my regulars, “give it January, you’ll have your space back!” Sure enough, class sizes would drop by the end of the month. Why does this happen every year? Maybe, the resolution is in name only with out the action?  Sure, there was action in signing up.  That was that easy part. The doing is the harder part and it takes RESOLVE.

The history of resolutions, according to Wikipedia, is mostly Western Hemisphere tradition, but it does occur in the East as well.  It has a religious origin with examples of the Babylonians returning borrowed goods and paying debts. The Romans made a promise to the god Janus, for whom January is named.  In medieval times, knights would recommit themselves to chivalry. There are other religious connections and ceremonial commonalities woven through traditions.  The bottom line is people are looking to make changes in their lives.  Resolutions set us up for failure! Why?  A resolution is usually an unrealistic goal that is not attainable.  We shoot for the moon and the resolution may feel like punishment for all that you ate at the holidays or too many hours of sofa surfing.  Punishment never really creates good habits.

So, what’s a person to do? Give up resolutions? I did!  Well, I gave up New Year’s Resolutions.  I make a commitment to myself, my work, my family, my life repeatedly.  I review what’s working and what isn’t. I take time for self-care, meditation, prayer. I am forever seeking solutions…I have resolve.  It is a commitment…not a one and done kinda thing. It is a lifestyle, a living into the process of life. It is certainly not for sissies! Am I successful? Hopefully! Some days yes, and some not so much!  The thing about resolve, as the verb, is it is action. Again, it is about living.  My hope is that I am choosing to live the best version of my life, with healthy and positive choices.  It is about following the choices or adjusting and changes to the plan. It is about learning the value of keeping my word to myself, living with promise (see previous blog), and about integrity. It is not just buying a gym membership and saying, “well I tried!” uh…NO!  The truth about resolve is that the action will show you many ways NOT to do something…think of how many times an inventor tried to make something, like Edison and the light bulb.  He didn’t fail all those initial attempts…he learned at least 100 ways not to make a light bulb.

Cliché as it may be, life is not about the destination, it is about the journey.  My hope for the human race is that we discover, collectively, that it is in fact, NOT A RACE at all.  It is a journey of living life on purpose, with purpose, with promise, with integrity and RESOLVE. Part of my journey, my purpose is to help others in their discovery by coaching, connecting and creating.  This my commitment, my promise and I stand resolute!  None of us get out of this alive.  We can, however, enjoy this journey of discovery through supporting, nurturing and creating lives worth living and sharing.  I choose to live with resolve. It certainly is not the easy path, but it certainly is worth every step…

Just Sayin’!!!!

Beth is a candid presenter and teacher. She is available to speak for your small groups or create a workshop that is right for your organization.  Contact Beth for more information and rates.