Atul Mathur © 2004. All Rights Reserved.
Web site: http://atulmathur.com
The idea of New Year resolutions conjures up
different feelings
among different people. Some doubt the significance of
resolutions in real life, while others doubt their ability to
stick to their own resolutions.
Some feel disappointed over their past failures
with resolutions, while others feel tempted to make new, bolder
ones.
So why should one make New Year resolutions in
the first place? Is there a way to turn resolutions from wishful
thinking into reality?
Considering the notoriously low success rate
of resolutions made on New Year's Eve, many people would like
to leave this custom to others. Why fail again? What is the point?
You must, however, be aware that the ritual of
making resolutions offers a three-in-one opportunity.
First, there is no other time of the year when
the whole atmosphere is so conducive to relax, reflect and look
forward. The window of opportunity is small, however.
It is like half-time in a basketball game. The
first half is gone, with the second due to start soon. Now is
the time to breathe, think and plan how you can do better in the
rest of the game. Would you want to miss it?
The second aspect of this opportunity is about
desires. Making resolutions enables you to connect with your deepest
desires. When a smoker thinks to himself: "I should quit
smoking", it reflects his deepest desire. If not for the
ritual of resolutions, you would continue to smoke, drink and
gain weight without a yearly reminder that, deep inside, you don't
want it all. Wouldn't you like to fulfil your deepest desires?
The third aspect is about the thrill of challenging
yourself. Who would dispute that making resolutions is like taking
a test with little confidence of passing it?
It is easy to live an unchallenged, safe life;
it is difficult to be challenged and face the failure. Want the
thrill of challenge? Make resolutions for the New Year.
Here are seven keys to make your new year resolutions
sticky:
1. Do it alone
Resolutions made hurriedly in a sudden rush of
inspiration are bound to disappear sooner than you can imagine.
Making resolutions should not be an event, it should be a process.
Make an appointment with yourself to sit alone in a quiet place.
Reflect on the past and dream about the future. What would you
like to be different in the coming year? Why?
2. Clarity
Desire is not resolution. Resolution means specific
action steps to fulfil a desire. Recognise your deepest desires
and ask: "What action can I take?" Clarity is important.
One sure way to achieve clarity is to write down the resolutions.
3. Quality not quantity
The best way to improve the chances of success
is to make a few but profound resolutions. Go for quality, not
quantity.
4. Chew over your resolutions
Once you have zeroed in on a few resolutions,
think about the difficulties and challenges ahead. Imagine yourself
doing what you wish to do and enjoying success. Imagine overcoming
the temptations to break the resolutions. The more your chew over
them, the better will be the chances of success.
5. Reminder
Help yourself by writing your resolutions in
an e-mail and scheduling it to come to you, for instance, every
Monday morning.
6. Dedicate
Dedicate each of your resolutions to someone
you love. For example, if you wish to quit smoking, dedicate this
resolution to someone you really care about - your children, mother
or spouse, for instance. Let your love for them strengthen your
resolve.
7. Try until you fail to fail
Despite all the keys, if you fail, do not forget
the ultimate key: Keep trying until you fail to fail! Got it?
Never give up!
Happy New Year!
