The Best New Year’s Resolutions Are Commitments

New Year, New Me!

I am sure we have all either heard, if not uttered, this phrase over the course of our lives. The beginning of a new year has a way of  bringing about a renewed hope, and thus for many, we make New Year’s resolutions to be better.

Resolution: Defined as a statement of decision or intention.

For me, resolutions are all talk. And like my grandmother says, “A ni**a make his mouth say what he/she want.” We say we are going to start moving, exercise, and live a  healthier life. So we purchase the gym memberships and the cute outfits. We workout a couple times, if any, but that resolution fizzles out fast. Afterall, the gym is too crowded when I am trying to workout.  It’s too cold outside to make the great outdoors my gym. So we resolve to try to workout once the “new year” crowd has left the gym or it becomes warmer outside. Our resolutions to improve our finances, improve relationships, or quit a habit, like smoking, often come up short as well for one reason or another. Do not be discouraged, if you have fallen short on your resolutions, know that you are not alone.

What is it that does not allow us to see these resolutions through to achievements?

Perhaps it is our choice of words and our mindset. A lesson that was first brought to my focus through therapy , is the power of words. Being more aware of the words we speak to ourselves and others, and the weight those words carry, has been a game changer for me. The words/narrative that we tell ourselves and others, begin to shape our thoughts and intention, and thus our actions.  The Four Agreements , a quick and easy read by Miguel Ruiz, reiterates this concept. The author challenges to be impeccable with your word, as one of four fundamental code of conducts to living life (don’t take anything personal, don’t make assumptions, and do your best, complete The Four Agreements). I go back and reread this book as a refresher and reminder.

Commitment: Defined as an agreement or pledge to do something in the future.

It is my belief that a change in mindset and verbiage, making commitments instead of resolutions, could hold the power to make our new year’s goals a realization. Now if you have a problem with “commitment” that is a subject to tackle on another blog and a challenge to overcome. But still, do not be discouraged.

Commitment is about action. It takes more than talk to achieve a goal. We say new year, new me, but what does it take to attain and become a new me?  Do we have the self awareness, willingness, and focus? The change is in the work. Becoming anew takes active work on our part.  Far too often, we are not ready, or willing to do what it takes to make anew. We underestimate the work and energy it will take to commit to making our resolution a success. Remember, not only do we have to create new habits, we have to shed old habits and thoughts as well, which can be the most difficult part.

Fully Committed

We must become fully committed!  It is commitment that gets us up early to go for that walk, even if it is a little cold. It is devotion to our goal that allows us to change our routine so it does not include driving by our favorite donut shop everyday or spending money we should be investing.  The mindset of commitment is what fills in the gaps when the idea of the resolution is not enough. This is not to say that commitment is free of failure. However, resolutions allow obstacles or stimuli to detour and stop your intent, whereas commitment is steadfast and unwavering.

Are you loyal to your goals? Are you willing to give your time and energy to what you believe?

As we go into this new year, be fully committed to yourself and the self you want to be.  Lets set realistic goals. Build confidence with small obtainable goals at first, then bigger goals to cultivate drive and determination. Be flexible knowing that the road to the goal is not straight but full of obstacles and potential set backs; expect it, so you are not shaken by them when they arise. Have measures for accountability. Surround yourself with people that share in your commitment to better living and are speaking that life into you, as you speak life into them.

BTW:  Give yourself grace and rejoice in ALL victories, both big and small. So count it all joy, and keep going!

We would love to hear from you. What new year’s resolutions are you committed to as we move through 2024?  How can we help?

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