It’s getting closer to the end of the year so I’m sure you know what that means. No, I don’t mean Santa Claus although I sure hope he comes to your town. Independent “clauses” full of positive direction for 2012 are being thought of right now in anticipation of being announced, proclaimed and followed through starting January 1^st! You might recognize “clauses” as resolutions.

I like the idea of a resolution; the process of resolving something such as a problem or dispute, but I don’t like that many people don’t understand the real meaning of the word. Resolution = Re-solve! Every year I witness friends, family, and clients making the same resolution that didn’t work for them the prior year. They go about the resolution in the same fashion even though it wasn’t successful. Instead of getting creative and resolving the problem in a new way that works best for them,  they do

“I’m going to start working out at least four days a week.”
“I’m going on that new diet right after the holidays.”
“I’m going to free up more time for my family this year.”

Do any of these resolutions sound familiar – or maybe too familiar? Do they make their annual year-end rise to the surface, but sink nearly as quickly as the motivation wears off after the initial thought?

I have a solution to the resolutions that continually break down after only a few weeks or months. The answer is simple: change the way you think. Why do you want to “return” to a solution or "re" solve a problem with the same action steps? Instead of thinking about a solution – which is usually a quick fix – consider making a commitment! Determine in your heart that you will do it, and you will not fail. Use a journal to define, track, and show