35 Resolutions for 2010
November 26, 2009
It’s the day after Thanksgiving and my 2010 countdown begins! I decided to create 35 resolutions per day until New Year’s! I figured that it would be both creative and purposeful…
I’ve never been too big on resolutions… it always felt like telling yourself to do something just set yourself up for failure. I often hear people in the “I am going to DO (this)”-mode when to initiate change, you have to be in the “BE”-mode. All things begin with the inner desire to “BE” … and when you do… “DOING” and “HAVING” follow naturally in your progression of change.
There are many reasons why Resolutions do not work. Often times people choose their resolutions because they think that is what they are supposed to do such as losing weight or smoking cessation. These resolutions sound good on the surface but they’re based on what you think you should be doing rather than what you want to do. Resolutions also mimick goals… not that there is anything wrong with goals but the problem with them is that you are saying to yourself that what you have in your life at the moment is not enough – and introduces a gap or void between where you are now and where you want to be. I do agree that Goals motivate many, but for some it may actually hurt self-confidence and esteem. We end up focusing on a resolution throughout the year, and whether it be lack of motivation or timing, when we don’t achieve our resolution, it ends up back-firing and making us feel worse. And for those who are goal-hungry and use goals to achieve happiness one step at a time, often times these goals lack meaning and personal relevance which leads to the next goal and the next and the next… forgetting that the real value is in the experience not the prize.
For my New Year’s Eve resolution of 2009, I decided to select a word or phrase that would guide me through the year. In “BEing” this word or phrase, I could naturally make decisions, create my life, and direct my purpose. I selected the phrase “Forward Movement” for 2009 to guide every single action during the year; and WOW it worked very well… Even as I caught myself repeating some old mistakes or taking a few steps back… the words, “Forward Movement” whether I whispered it or said it aloud, put me back in my place! And fittingly to match, I had my birds tattooed to symbolize my new movement. This phrase became my guide, not just a harsh standard or intimidating goal… I was able to apply this phrase to many aspects of my life and kept me focused.
For 2010, I am still debating on my word/phrase of the year.. I have 35 days to go… I have a few ideas and I think this year, I will cut up a few strips of paper and throw it in a hat… This year, I will let the Universe pick my word/phrase for me…
In the meantime, I will create my 35 mini-resolutions, reminders, and lessons that I want to keep with me in 2010.
I challenge you to create your word or phrase to guide you through 2010. Please feel free to leave your word/phrase in the comments section! I would love to hear from you.
