Looking forward with a new resolve

Happy New Year! It’s that time again; time when our thoughts turn to reflecting on this past year and preparing for 2017. Where did the time go? What did we accomplish? What’s still on the “to-do” list? What’s the plan? It’s the time of year for resolutions.

About 45 percent of us will make at least one resolution for the new year; that firm decision to do or not do something; a decision that equates to change. We resolve to get healthier, be happier, exercise more, earn more money, be a nicer person – and the list goes on. Six months into the year, about half of that 45 percent will be successful. Why? Maybe expectations are too high, maybe they aren’t really the “right” resolutions, maybe we just give up too easily.

That “giving up too easily” part is what I plan to work on this year. Instead of resolutions, I’m starting the year with a new resolve – a firmness of purpose or intent; determination. Seems to me that’s a good approach no matter what business you are in, what stage of life you are at; no matter your circumstances. Easy to do? Absolutely not! In a world where we are told no more than we are told yes, maintaining a firm resolve is a tough task. Obstacles pop up at random to derail our quest. It’s too hard, it costs too much, there’s no time, it’s scary. Yet, I’ve always been told that if you want something bad enough, if it’s truly a dream, you will do what is needed

to achieve it.

When working in teams or groups to generate ideas or find solutions to challenges, I’ve always used the “don’t tell me what we can’t do; tell me what we can do” approach. This year, I resolve to practice what I preach.

Wishing you all a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!

Posted by MJ Thomas