The Annual Funeral: Why Resolutions Die Every Year ... and Why They Don't Have To

Focus Newsletter, Winter 2007

Making a New Year’s resolution is most often viewed and treated as a promise for a fresh start at the beginning of a New Year. The initial desire is there, but it could lack the planning most often needed to make a resolution a success.

When you feel like you should make a resolution along with everyone else on January 1st, you can half-heartedly do it without really feeling your own personal commitment to change. These are just a couple of reasons why resolutions die an early death every year. Instead, they could live and be successful if we take a new approach.

Recognize that making a “resolution” and making a “change” differ in many ways, including how they are defined, how they are viewed, how they are pursued and how they are implemented.

Let’s start with the definitions of each. ‘Change’ is defined using words like transformation, modification and conversion. It implies that action was taken and something did happen. ‘Resolution’ is defined using words like decision, promise and declaration. Other definitions of resolution include steadfastness, determination and perseverance.

Ok, fine. So now you’ve made a “decision” to make a change and you’ve made it with “determination.” That’s great, but still, there’s something missing… what is it…?? Oh yeah…the plan for how to make the change! Without that, this resolution is just a serious wish.

If you make a resolution, know exactly what kind of commitment you’re making before you start and don’t get too frustrated because you don’t see results fast enough. Making real change is a long-term commitment (requiring that aforementioned decision and determination) that takes time to pursue, time to achieve and starts with a first step today, no matter what day of the year it is. Sometimes resolution-holders will get frustrated and let go too soon, not recognizing that small, consistent steps will be part of their success.

So for those of you who are ready to make a fresh start in the New Year, be sure to read the next article about turning your resolution into real change. For everyone else who may not be quite ready (yet not procrastinating!) read the next article anyway with the possibilities in mind.

While you don’t have to be forced into making a New Year’s resolution just because it’s January 1st, you do have the option to make a change and improve your life starting any day… at any time of the year… so let your resolution live on and make a plan to keep it alive!