Lunar / Sun Day Sermon

Making Resolutions That Stick

Well .. it is that time of year again.  Time to say goodbye to another year, another chain of indelible experiences that propel us onward to the new year.  Time for many of us to think about the changes we'd like to make in the coming year -- our New Year's Resolutions!

New Year's Resolutions are usually great and lofty ideas -- our thoughts about what changes we would like to implement, goals we would like to reach.  But, resolutions entail something intimate ... a commitment!

In making our resolutions for the new year, we begin by envisioning the life we would like to have, perhaps seeing ourselves release a bad habit or two, such as losing weight, or quitting smoking. Perhaps we have other bad habits we would like to see altered, maybe the habit of biting our nails, or releasing ourselves from a relationship that just doesn't seem to work.   Or maybe, we would like to begin a savings account by resolving to set aside a percentage of our salary each payday for our future.  Our ideals now have chance to shine in the forefront of our minds --- and we think .. "what would I like to change?"

Granted, it is much easier to conceptualize a good resolution than to actually make the commitment. We know what is best for ourselves, but often, we don't know how to follow through with our resolution to make it stick.  We have the knowing, but not the know-how.

So ...  How do we set the stage for success in choosing the right resolution and following through to reach our goal?  The first step is to have a plan.

Let's say, for instance, you wer going on a trip. The first thing you would do is investigate all possible ways to get from Point A - your starting point or beginning, to Point B - your ending point or destination.   You might start by looking at a map first to see what is involved so you could plan accordingly.

Making the right resolution, one you could stick to, is the same thing.   You take your goal into consideration and then fill in all the spaces between setting and reaching your goal. Visualize the best route from start to finish.
Create your plan by setting a reasonable goal, then explore the different access routes to fulfill your outcome

If losing Fifty pounds by the end of the year is reasonable to you, set your weekly goal at 4 pounds and consider simple ways to do this, such as eliminating something fattening from your diet, or adding a daily calorie burning activity.

If saving money is your plan, consider how much you can reasonably put away each payday without hurting yourself..  Many economists suggest that we 'pay ourselves' 10% of our paycheck first and include that in our personal budget.  Look at it this way, if your take home salary is $2,000 a month and you put aside $200 a month, at the end of the year you would have saved $2400 that could be invested in high interest bearing certificates of deposit which would continue to grow.

Don't make your resolution too extravagant, or you might not be able to visualize a viable positive outcome.  Be realistic about your goals so that follow through is effortless, rather than a chore.

Lastly .. remain flexible in your journey.  Know that it's not always  the goal, but  sometimes it is more the journey from where our energies emanate.  Be open to changes in your plans, improvements, as it were!

Your success in making and keeping a New Year's Resolution depends on you.  Make one that you can commit to, make it stick, explore all your avenues and .... make your 2008 your best year ever !

Warmest wishes for your success ...

Dolphyn