My unpopular view of resolutions and why I believe you still need them…

It seems lately, resolutions are getting a bad rap.  “We never keep them anyway.”  “They conjure up will-power which only gets us to mid-January at best.”  “They are stifling and stiff.”

Here’s my take.  Resolve is non-negotiable.  Decision is critical.  And only when you’ve got those two in place, can you bring in a plan for out-of-this-world success.

It’s a 3-part strategy for successful living, regardless of who you are or how you live your life.  Show me anyone who busted through barriers and made quantum leaps in their life and this thread is clearly visible. 

These three critical elements are always present (whether you know it or not) when any real, meaningful change happens in your life.  And if you are interested in radical changes – even of the subtle kind, it makes a whole lot of sense to consider them well.

OK, so let’s dig in.

Part 1: Resolve

Why do you need to resolve rather than to choose a resolution?

I’m going to get a little “latin-nerdy” here.  The original root of the word resolution comes from resolve which means the process of breaking things into simpler forms (or unbinding again and again until you are left at the most core issue at hand).

The modern day definition of a resolution indicates a commitment to something that you hold firm to.  Totally essential in my book, but first it is wise togo through the process of understanding what is at the core (the simplest form) of what you truly want.  Getting crystal clear is priority.

Once you are clear on what you truly want, the next step is to decide.

Part 2: Decide

“Even more than we are doers, we are deciders.  Once the decision is clear, the doing becomes effortless.” ~the Book of Runes

The root of the word decide is to “cut off”.  Saying no and cutting things off isn’t the most popular advice lately, I know.  But the truth is, our ability to choose our “no” as carefully as our “yes” and cut off all that does not align with our decision (in our thoughts and actions) is directly related to how successful we will be.  

Seth Godin recently wrote on his blog, “You don’t need a new plan for next year. You need a commitment.”  What I say is you first need the commitment to a clearly resolved goal or desire.  Then you need a plan.

Part 3: Plan

I’m not against intentions and affirmations.  I’m not against vision boards nor am I against big dreaming (in fact, I love them all!)  

What I am against is replacing a clear strategy and plan for achieving success with those supports.  Without a clear sense of what you need in order to step into the life that you want to be living, and a framework for getting there, you are setting yourself up for failure. 

And I’m all about setting you up for success.

Anytime you set out to create anything– from a bookcase to a new way of living- you need tools.  I think of a plan as a way to equip yourself with what you need in order to succeed. 

To start without a map isn’t enlightened, it’s unprepared.  And equally problematic is trying to draw up a map without a clear understanding of where you are, where you want to go and the terrain between the two.

So the next time you feel inspired to make a change in your life– follow this three step process.  

1.  Resolve your issues down to the clearest and simplest goals you can.

2.  Decide on your goal and commit to it.

3.  Create a plan that equips you to meet your goals by giving you a framework, tools and strategies that reflect who you are, the life you live and where you want to go.

Could you use some support in this process?  Click here to gain instant access to a 3 part video I’ve created on exactly this topic.  (No cost, huge value.)

And then, if  you resolve to make 2012 a year where you truly begin to take excellent care of yourself- of all the parts of yourself- from how you feed your body to how you nourish your spirit…  Designed for Wellness  can be the plan that equips you to truly succeed at living life with the energy, vitality and well being you deeply want (and you deeply need in order to show up as your brightest self for all those you love and care for.)

As always – if this has been useful, please comment and let me know your thoughts — and SHARE it with others in your community who may also find it valuable! 

Many thanks and much love,

Lisa


Comments

3 responses to “My unpopular view of resolutions and why I believe you still need them…”

  1. My wife just had me read this blog post. I agree whole heartedly except there IS a 4th step that is critical for every plan: ACTION!
    You must take action daily (sometimes hourly) working your plan. You kind of implied it a little, but too many will take it at face value and miss it.
    Without action the best laid plans, fall down to the bottom of a pile of papers and are meaningless.
    GREAT POST!

  2. I agree with your post and like the logical follow-through of your thoughts. For some of us, I do think it is ok and even crucial at times to step out towards our goals even if we don’t have the plan perfectly worked out. I am a much better planner than doer and have, many times, planned myself into the ground. That is, I’ve spent so much time mulling over the “how to’s” that I ended up losing momentum. At this time, I’ve adopted a new motto (it actually belongs to Ms. Frizzle): Take chances, make mistakes, get messy.

  3. […] Well Grounded Life: My unpopular view of resolutions and why I believe you still need them… […]

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