resolute resolutions
a beautiful healthy apple
resolute resolutions
I think part of the problem in keeping resolutions is taking one’s time in compiling them in the first place. Some resolutions are no more than “wishes”, which isn’t a bad thing but without a well thought out plan to keep our resolutions, there’s no chance we’ll be successful.
Resolutions should be based on sound strategy. Sometimes we sabotage ourselves before we even begin. For example, let’s say weight loss or weight control is one of my resolutions. Instead of just saying, “I’ll eat healthier”, I need to qualify what makes uphealthy eating. Maybe I should add, I will plan healthy meals. I will eat fruit and veggies every day. I will only bring healthy food into my home. I will do this by shopping the perimeter of the store. I will develop a strategy for eating away from home. I will tell myself not every special occasion is an excuse to indulge. It’s amazing how every occasion becomes “special” when we need an excuse to indulge. J
My blog is about maintaining good mental health with an emphasis on depression. It never works to just declare, “Next year I won’t get depressed.” Not going to happen without a plan. Everyone’s plan will be unique. It helps to gather information, to listen to what others are doing but in the end your plan will have to be yours.
Sometimes our plan immerges bit by bit. It’s as if Creation decides to shine on us knowing we’re waiting and little drops of information shower us until a plan comes together. Let me explain. My husband and I exercise regularly. We try to eat healthy but we both have a sweet tooth. Last night I grilled hamburgers accompanied by broccoli. So what’s the problem, you ask? Sometimes we don’t eat enough. I get so hung up on keeping us trim, I don’t cook enouth. Consequently, we end up snacking before bedtime.
Light bulb flash! Eat more.
So I will make sure our meals are more substantial. I will add more healthy side dishes to every meal so we don’t get hungry later. Whoever though eating more could be the clue to weighing less? But it’s an old concept. One we don’t hear about as much as we used to.
I already know how to cook healthier. I already know what healthy foods are and what they aren’t. I already know about portion control. Let’s face it. Most of us know this. It’s narrowing in on the specific individual issues that sabotage our individual plans, like snacking at night for husband and me.
So this is how I’m beginning my month of planning my resolutions. I’m thinking through each big goal. I’m narrowing my focus. In case you’re wondering, my resolutions will revolve around healthy living (including mental, emotional, spiritual and course, physical.) relationships, organization and personal goals. I will be looking at what has worked for me in each of these areas and what hasn’t and then refining my plans.
It isn’t nearly as involved or complicated as it sounds. I’m smart enough to know that those areas that haven’t been working aren’t necessarily under my control. That will mean I will need to adjust my reactions and responses for those situations that are outside my control. And deciding that ahead of time, will serve me well when the situation occurs. Forewarned is forearmed.
And even if I’m not successful in some areas, at least I will know I’ve examined my life. I know me. I know that once I make a plan, I will try my best to implement it. But if I have no plan I know me well enough to know I will flounder.
How are you doing with thinking through your resolutions? Or are you? You don’t have to call them resolutions if that sounds doomed to failure. But it never hurts anyone to set aside a little time every day for a few weeks just to think through some things. What could it possibly hurt? And who knows, it might even help.
Happy thinking.
