The Power of Resolutions

It’s awesome to wake up and find a new day dawning; the sky smiling—the sun yawning.
The beginning of something special—welcome to a brand new world of opportunities.

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A New Year resolution is a promise made to ourselves, though often as a frivolous gesture at five minutes to midnight, rather than a binding contract we make to improve our lives. When done properly, it can become a positive action we practice all year so we keep setting goals and systematically achieving them.

Many people make a joke of their resolutions and don’t treat them with the seriousness they deserve. About 40% of the population makes resolutions. Of those, about 60% keeps them initially but after 6 months, that percentage dwindles to about 45% and as time passes, the percentage shrinks even more (1).

The notion of a New Year Resolution is believed to date back to 150BC to the time of Janus. He was the ancient Roman God of what’s now termed ‘Gates and Doors’ (2).

He was believed to have two faces: One pointing to the past and the other to the future. He could therefore look in both directions (3).

He found his position at the head of the yearly calendar where he was best placed to look forward and backward. This period became one of hope and promise where Romans sought forgiveness from their enemies. It was a time for the exchange of gifts with neighbours as all welcomed in the New Year.

The resolution involves breaking old habits and making new. For instance:

By April 1st 2018 I am smoke free and feeling much happier and healthier
By April 1st 2018 I am ten kilos lighter and much happier and healthier because I am eating more sensibly
By April 1st 2018 I am in a brand new job, earning a good wage, in a harmonious and supportive working environment, where my skills and experience are appreciated
From today forward, I have greater self-confidence and love myself more every day

Set a strong framework in place for realizing your goals. Support them with positive and encouraging images of yourself doing what you most desire: Visualize every day. Take affirmative action to encourage and maintain the momentum.

Discarding your cigarettes, junk food and other negative influences. Get your resume in order, up-skill if necessary and lay the proper groundwork for the changes you envisage. It’s time to smile and congratulate yourself for taking the first powerful step. The hard work now begins:

Let go of the old; embrace the new
Understand how the exciting changes enrich your life
Know how letting go of the old frees you from negativity
Share your intentions with a (positive) family member/friend for encouragement when the going gets a little tough
Write your intention in a diary/journal and read it every day
Make a timeline but don’t fret if you don’t reach it
Be proud of your achievements, no matter how small they might be
Support your goals with strong pictures of yourself in positive and empowering situations, in line with your resolutions
Pin positive affirmations and empowering pictures around your bedroom; throughout the house and in your office/work station and constantly refer to them
Tell yourself every day how important you are and how much you love yourself.

Some habits require intervention: Ask for professional help. It’s a positive link to your goal creation and reinforces your resolve. Get the help you need to break through those long held barriers.

When others compliment you, thank them and use the positive energy to build confidence and strengthen your position.

When you fall momentarily, remind yourself why you’re changing your behavior and make sure you re-affirm your promises. Each time you achieve a milestone, reward yourself. Keep the goal firmly in the forefront of your mind.

Irrespective of what others think/say about you – the most important thing is those genuine feelings you hold for yourself. Who do you see when you look in the mirror? How proud are you of that person and the journey being travelled?

The only person who can change your life is you. Make up your mind to be more positive and take the steps today to eliminate the negative and limiting habits. The changes can be instigated at any time. However, use the power and passion of the present and welcome in your New Year with a brand new perspective on life.

Stay well, safe and happy and bring those resolutions to life as the year progresses.

Imagine the possibilities …..