Resolutions

As we enter 2011, I brace myself as usual for a fresh start. This time around, I’m slightly altering the terminology when it comes to my ‘to do’ list. Instead of calling them ‘New Year’s resolutions’, I’m opting for the broader sounding ‘2011 resolutions’ in an effort to condition my thinking to a more long-term approach to change. Sure, it may sound like an unnecessary and trivial word adjustment. But I’ve come to realize that the mind (or mine at least) has a knack for building beliefs, habits and justifications around simple word meanings. I just wouldn’t want to trick myself into thinking that resolutions could only happen at the beginning of the year.

So just what are my areas of focus from now until December 31st? For a change, I’m actually keeping the thoughts simpler but the actions more demanding. There is a great little book by Richard Carlson called, “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff… and it’s all small stuff” that I am attempting to incorporate into daily living. Carlson does a brief write-up on 100 different techniques that one can use to keep molehills from becoming mountains. The chapter names pretty much spell out the message… Make Peace with Imperfection; Be Aware of the Snowball Effect of Your Thinking; Remind Yourself that When You Die, Your “In Basket” Won’t Be Empty; Learn to Live in the Present Moment; Create “Patience Practice Periods”; Smile at Strangers, Look into Their Eyes, and Say Hello; Become a Less Aggressive Driver; and so on and so forth.

Having a different thought or suggested action item to focus on each day is a good way to get the ball rolling. I hope you are rejuvenated and ready for a fresh start in 2011 also.

Happy New Year!!