This article was originally published in The Simplifier #53.

Article: The Resolution - Simplified

By Shawn Tuttle

What New Year’s resolutions have you set in the past? Lose a few pounds, quit smoking, help others, get out of debt, perhaps? How often do you hear success stories for these big year-end goals? Not often. The process of making New Year’s resolutions seems to be hit or miss, mostly miss.

What seems to happen is that a wishful idea is verbalized to oneself, “I’m going to get in shape!” and one or two things are done to support this idea, for example a health club is joined, and then nothing else happens. The breakdown? A goal of that magnitude deserves the full planning process—and stating the goal is only the first step!

But jeez, the New Year’s resolution is made in a mood of reflection and imagination of how life could be different, not in the mode of analytical-brain figuring out timelines, resources, and benchmarks! Besides, the traditionally-hectic holiday months probably aren’t the best time for these anyways.

The Resolution Simplified

It doesn’t matter if you smoke, are 30 pounds overweight, and don’t have any friends. You can amplify the positive in your life, and even better, you can start right now, even if it’s still 2007. In fact, using a plan-free resolution will make those other self-improvement projects easier! If you’ve had less than great success with your New Year’s resolutions, then try making one that doesn’t require planning.

Plan-free resolutions don’t require major productions and yet they have lasting effect. You can bring more joy and happiness into your life by choosing a “fragrance” like appreciation, gratitude, or friendliness and applying liberally.

Resolution is defined as a determination, a firmness of purpose. If your intention has to do with improving your life or the lives of those you touch, you’ll have the greatest impact by being more appreciative, more grateful, kinder, or more friendly. Connecting with others through these heartfelt attitudes can have powerful and transformative effects.

You don’t need to set benchmarks with these resolutions, or spend money, or interact with exercise equipment. You don’t even need any will power! All you do is remember your resolution to, for example, have more patience, and adopt it in your life. That’s much easier! Save goal setting and the planning process for another time. Choose your fragrance(s) for the year and let it infuse your self, your thoughts, and your life. Then the next time you are driving on a 2-lane road stuck behind a “Sunday driver” cruising sub-speed limit, choose a response consistent with your resolution, and be patient.

Goals mean planning

This isn’t to say don’t set goals. Challenging yourself to improve your life through setting goals can be an incredibly powerful process. Quitting smoking, losing weight, getting out of debt—those are big goals. As such, don’t underestimate the magnitude of taking them on. There’s a time and place for everything, and big goals require big planning. Setting yourself up for success to achieve big goals means acknowledging the process, and tackling them when you are ready to go all the way with them.

Time for a change?

You’ve heard the old adage, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Conversely, if it ain’t working, don’t do it!

If the resolutions you set for the new year usually last until, say, New Year’s Day, then change your strategy. There’s no law that says a resolution has to be one way or another—it’s entirely up to you. If the conventional resolution structure isn’t serving your needs, try the plan-free resolution approach—or another approach of your own design.

Endings and beginnings

I see myself standing at the edge of a cliff. Looking back at the path that led to this point, I smile at the hills and valleys dipping and rising behind me. I turn to look out into the expanse, wondering about the trail of this coming year. Will it be rocky and steep? Smooth and level? What new terrain will there be to explore? What unanticipated challenges will arise?

I desire to step lightly into the new year—a lightness reflecting the pleasure of being on this journey. Obstacles in the path will be dealt with, mountains will be climbed, and rivers crossed. Laughter and joy will outweigh the sweat and tears. Successes will be celebrated as I choose the most interesting path up the mountain. I lift my foot and step forward.

—

Shawn Tuttle is founder of Project Simplify.