New Year Resolutions? Try This Instead!
So here we are one week into the new year. Many of you probably made resolutions and some of you may be slipping away from those well-intentioned resolutions. I would like to offer you another way to view resolutions, or should I say offer you something with which to replace resolutions. Try on “commitments”. As in, “I commit to_____”. As an example many “resolutions” center around losing weight and/or getting in shape, “I will lose 20lbs”, “I will go to the gym 3x a week” “I will not eat chocolate/carbs/sugar”. Let’s replace the “I will” with “I commit” ~ “I commit to taking care of my body”. See how a commitment creates flexibility? Each day you may take an action which is aligned with your commitment but may not have been in alignment with a resolution. By setting commitments you will probably reduce the feelings of failure that may have existed with commitments.
Let’s say I made a commitment to physical health. And let’s say yesterday I was planning on going to the gym but didn’t make it, however, say I did go for a walk and ate healthily, I honored my commitment. A commitment allows you freedom whereas a resolution dictates.
Give it a try, replace your resolutions with commitments and begin again. Let me know how it works for you.
“Supposing you have tried and failed again and again. You may have a fresh start any moment you choose, for this thing that we call “Failure” is not the falling down, but the staying down.” Mary Pickford
And for those of you how have committed to healthy eating here is a link to a great resource for figuring out replacement foods ~ “trading up” your goodies and for researching the nutritional value of foods.. www.nuval.com
And to bring a smile to your face…
Adapted from: The NY Times Op-Ed Sunday January 1, 2006 (yes, it’s old but not dated)
Want some advice? Well, look no further. Illegal Art, a collective of artists in New York and invited passers-by to offer a word (or two) of guidance. The offerings below, were collected from July to November. Who knows, maybe you’ll recognize your own words. Even if you don’t, feel free, in the 365 days ahead, to put into action or be inspired by one (or two) of the, um, emphatic sentiments expressed below.
READ THE INSTRUCTIONS
Don’t Lie
Commit.
Cross the Line.
Contact my attorney.
Never give a gun to a duck.
Dine with
Strangers
As Often As Possible…
A Bigger Heart on
Your Sleeve
You shut up and do something about it.
Relish the Moment
(before we lose)
Use
Both
Hands
Get
A
Map
Add
More
Color
Get Rich
Do Not
Drink & Dial
Listen to
Some Old
School
Punk Rock
Date
Older
Women
A. find out what you want
B. give it to yourself
Be the moon
Arm all the gingerbread men.
– Less internet
+ More
cabernet
Wax,
Don’t Shave
Get a new pillow
Make out like you were in high school
Ask an old person to tell you a story
Whatever
Less
phone, more face, not facetime
Think
Before
You________.
LEARN to drive stick.
Fish closer to the shore
Use your tools
Watch out for
SHARKS
Dude, get over it
DON’T BE
HIGH MAINTENANCE
Eliminate Lists
