Resolutions which are set to begin in the month of January are popular because people just love the idea of starting anew with something by wiping the slate clean, so to speak.

resolutionsHere’s why most of them fail: First, there are usually NO consequences whatsoever for not doing right by what is going to be different. Second, resolutions are often made during a typically joyous time of year when it’s easy to idealize the future, thereby relegating these promises to merely idle talk status. If you’re serious about making changes in the New Year, develop a list of consequences for not acting on what you’ve planned. Enlist the help of someone who has no reservations about calling you out for not following through; deny yourself something meaningful or enjoyable; make your declarations public to those within your sphere of friends, family, colleagues and associates so that they can track your progress (or lack thereof).

OR

You can resolve to not change, improve or modify a thing. It’s tempting to believe that another calendar will get you better organized and that reading another article or perusing the self-improvement books section on Amazon will have you eating, sleeping and looking better within mere days or weeks. And while you’re at it, you can check out ways you can be a better husband or wife, son or daughter, mother or father. And you can certainly become richer, right?

Do you really need a new and improved version of yourself? Or is it okay to be content with your unimproved, flawed self?

We’re a month into 2015. What’s it going to be — a commitment to change or a decision to stay as is? This is where the “resolve” part comes in.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!