I confess: I have never stuck to a New Year's Resolution. Resolutions are exactly the wrong way to change behavior.
I have the utmost respect for the feebleness of my self control. My willpower is like a muscle and can only take so much weight before it will let go.
Prior to this New Year, I had tried many resolutions. Big life changes that seemed like a good idea at the time, only to be squashed by the reality that I was working my willpower muscle a little too hard, and it started to tear.
The Top 10 resolutions of 2012 are: eat healthy and exercise more; drink less; learn something new; quit smoking; attain a better work/life balance; volunteer; save money; get organized; read more; and finish those around the house to do lists.
I now believe in the less is more theory when it comes to achieving any goal, including New Year Resolutions. Setting smaller goals to attain the larger reward has always seemed to lessen the height of the mountain. Although, prior to this way of thinking, I just saw the end and it seemed like a big hill to climb.
According to a 2012 study, only eight per cent of resolution makers actually achieve their resolution goals.
So what's different about that eight per cent? Do they have willpower muscles like Arnold Schwarzenegger in his prime? Or do they set smaller, more attainable goals?
This year, I have resolved to not make a resolution, but to make small changes. Just the word resolution has a detrimental ring to it. The word changes sounds much more positive.
The first change I would like to see in my world doesn't require a willpower work out at all. But it does require me to look within myself.
I have always over analyzed things in my life. I think too much and too hard instead of just letting things roll. This year, I resolve to trust my gut.
This should be relatively easy to follow because it doesn't require me to change, so much as go back to doing what I am naturally inclined to do, before I started doubting my feelings and over-thinking things.
Over-thinking has led to worrying and has been an unhealthy choice in my life.
I'm not going to let my worries win.
Instead of thinking about everything I'm going to do, maybe I'll think about the ways I can loosen up and relax a little.
