Living the dash: resolve or revolve? - 29 Jan 2008

The turn of the year has come and gone. As we head towards February, most of our resolutions – if we made any - have gone also. Add to that feelings of guilt and we can be on a downward spiral if we’re not careful. So what’s the problem? Lack of willpower, desire, and motivation within us? Or is the problem in the resolution itself?

The problem with New Year resolutions is in the term itself: New Year resolution! It’s so often the case that the only time of the year we consider change is Jan 1st. Two weeks into January when we’ve “failed” we kick our resolution into touch until the next Jan.

I prefer to scrap the term “resolution” and think instead in terms of goals and targets.
A goal or target must be specific, realistic, and measurable – you must define exactly what you want to reach and when, and specify stepping-stones along the way. For example, if your weight is a problem, you could have a goal for the year of losing 12kgs by Dec 31st, but a monthly goal of losing 1kg. In order to implement this you would have to take professional advice and incorporate changes to diet, exercise, etc.

Another good goal would be to read the whole Bible in one year. Daunting? Not if broken down into daily chunks!! There are excellent plans available to help us.

It’s also important that our goals are:
· Shared. Other people will encourage and possibly even join us.
· Rewarded. Have a specific treat lined up when you hit your target.
· Visual. Stick something to the fridge door as a constant reminder.
· Liberating not legalistic. Should you find that you’re constantly beating yourself up over non-attainment of targets, it’s probably time to re-evaluate and take advice.

I’ll finish by asking a ridiculous question:

What’s the best way to swallow an elephant?

The answer: One bite at a time!!