What is a resolution? Why do it?

What is a resolution?

Merriam Webster defines "resolution" simply as: the act of finding an answer or solution to a conflict, problem, etc. : the act of resolving something : an answer or solution to something.

This offers an interesting light in which to cast our New Years resolutions.  What are we actually doing when we make them?  Are we resolving to fix or find an answer to a conflict or problem in our life?

Considering this definition prior to jumping feet first into a resolution that is impossible to keep could provide the insight needed to make that resolution last.

 According to StatisticBrain.com, the #1 New Year's resolution is probably exactly what you think it might be: To lose weight.  

The first question to ask is why.  Why is losing weight (or getting organized, or spending less… the next two top resolutions on the list) a problem?  What is the problem?  How can we fix a problem that has yet to be defined?  Is it important to lose weight because of the strain it places on our body? Because of a health issue? Because we want to look better, or fit into that fabulous red dress in the back of our closet?  Don't judge the problem, simply address it.  Then the answer becomes clearer. 

Maybe, if looking great in that red dress is the "problem" to be solved, losing 25 pounds isn't the answer.  Maybe the answer is toning the right places and only losing a few pounds. Maybe once you've hit your dieting plateau, rather than throwing in the towel, you can pull out that dress and re-assess.  If all you need is to adjust a seam or add a button for it to fit just right, you've hit your goal!  Not only do you feel better, more successful, but you are more likely to maintain your health/weight/tone because you know how good it feels. That's long-term success. 

I have had a lot of incredible and frightening life changes hit me this year, and through it all #3 on the top list of New Year's resolutions has been one of my recurring notions.  Is the problem that I don't have enough money? Well, sometimes… but ultimately, I know that money is secondary to happiness. One of the founding beliefs of Mind Key is that when we follow our personal path of happiness and self-discovery, health and money follow.  So, in that case, the problem isn't having enough money, but it's having enough of the fulfilling work to provide the income I need.

As a result, I've rededicated myself to never working a job I hate because I "have-to."  Today, on the first business day of 2016, I saw the results of that tenfold as two new lucrative writing opportunities opened up—ones that not only utilize my skills as a writer and a reporter, but my passion for health and networking as well.

All month long we will be offering you, our readers, insight, advice, and encouragement as you follow your dreams and work toward meeting your resolutions (or non-resolutions).  In the end what matters is your happiness—because as social creatures our network and personal communities depend on it.

What are your resolutions (or non-resolutions)?  Share with us your concerns about meeting them in 2016 and let us help you find your way.

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