Resolute

I've been taking an informal poll of people's resolutions this winter.

I, personally, LOVE resolutions. I am a goal-oriented person and there are few times when I don't meet my goals. There's only ever been one book I've given up on reading... Reading Lolita in Tehran... I just couldn't finish it.

My Resolution theory is different than others. I usually set 3-4 and try to accomplish at least 1. Some goals are challenging, others simple.

If I don't complete a goal, I re-evaluate it and possibly recycle it for the next year.

Resolutions are NEVER to be exercise oriented. Working out is always a separate life-cycle. Resolutions aren't part of taking care of myself physically.

Many people are over resolutions. I've heard that they never make them or used to but don't anymore because people always set goals that they don't stick to....

I have 2 problems with this excuse:

Firstly, what other people do with their resolutions shouldn't change what you do with your own...

and Secondly, why are you going to make a goal you aren't actually committed to?

I didn't succeed in paying off my credit cards, but I'm 60% there... so I made a pretty good dent in that goal. This year I will succeed. I didn't succeed in getting my UK driver's license, but I was planning on taking it up after my class finished, and it didn't till December 15th... so it shall be recycled.

This year I want to re-do my Read the Bible in a Year, including the Old Testament. This doubles the commitment since the OT is twice as long as the NT. I MISSED reading the prophets and stories this year. I missed grappling with the story of Job, which I don't really understand. I missed puzzling over the vision of Ezekiel. I want it back.

I also want to read and write more. I'm going to try to blog once in a fortnight. Things get hectic and my brain gets overloaded and I ignore it. I need more good thoughts and I need to share them.

I want to read a book every 3 weeks. I give this as homework to my students... so why shouldn't I live up to the same standard. I should probably resolve to finish some of the many non-fiction and even fiction books I have started and not finished (I said Reading Lolita was the only book I've ever given up on... I have not given up on these... I'm procrastinating... it's different).

Guide to Making Resolutions:

1. Make them achievable. For example... NOT "I will learn Spanish", but "I will pass Spanish 1 at my community college" -- Have done some research into the classes and costs.
2. Make them simple. Pay off a credit card. Take 1 weekend away a month. Read a book a month, or three weeks, or two weeks, depending on your schedule and reading speed.
3. Make them realistic. Pay off a credit card when you have $30,000 on it is silly unless you make 6-figures a year. Take a weekend away when you normally work weekends is silly. Vowing to donate 1/2 of your belongings is silly... be realistic.
4. Be flexible. Sometimes things come up. If you slip early, have someone there to remind you of your commitment. Don't just give up on your resolution or on yourself.

This life is here and it's meant to be lived. A little discipline goes a long way. I'm resolute for 2011 and excited to see what happens :)