New Year (RE)Solutions

Every year people devout their focus to the “New Year, New You” trend yet, each time people fall off the band wagon - tumbling down and even further through the downward spiral. WTF? Why is this? Why do many many feel so pumped for change only to further emphasize the problems that needed it?

It’s simple. Seduction. We humans love to be seduced by new things and appealing ideas, however, enjoying that which has seduced us comes with a price. The price tag for seduction is engagement. Just as any "hot encounter" with a "seductive lover," you must engage with the one that seduces to enjoy the full experience of their seduction. We also easily get charged up when we are seduced with new and exciting ideas of self empowerment because it puts our mind to work, giving it a new job to do with the sense of feeling free regardless of the unknown.

So, how do we engage with this “New Year, New You” seduction? First, identify the problem that truly needs change and seduce yourself with an appealing solution that will realistically fit in with your life. Below, I will use the most common New Years resolution and then demonstrate a New Years Solution as an example.

Common New Years Resolution:

I need to lose weight, so I’m gonna go to the gym and make it happen! Yeah!

🙄 You don’t even believe it when you say it. The very fact the resolution feels forced is indicative that the true problem hasn’t been identified and no solution has been created. Just a whole lot of judgement and overcompensation. Not a great way to engage with the “New Year, New You” seduction.

A Better New Years Solution:

Here’s a New Years solution that will make sense and will bring truth and conviction.

Problem: I need to lose weight because I let myself go as of late. I’ve encumbered myself with too much concern for others this year leaving little to no time for myself. The time I do have left, its rushed with fast food and impulsive cravings.

Solution: I’m going to balance my time by eliminating responsibilities that are not mine. I’m going to focus only on the important things in my life and I’m only going to engage with things that enhance my life. I desire to be mentally and physically health conscious and will do what I can day to day to accomplish this balance.

You see the differences are, New Years resolutions are created due to perpetual self imposed judgment. We feel great when we are seduced with change, however, that seduction gives a false sense of motivation when there is a lack of honest and truthful engagement within yourself. This is why New Years resolutions fall apart so easily. When we engage with identifying our problems, the solutions become obvious which creates conviction, desire, and motivation.

Motivation is the only key to creating success in any area of your life. In this case of New Years resolutions, resolutions become unrealistic and too steep of a hill to climb; which dissolves any little motivation you had. On the other hand, engaging with identifying the real problems and solutions leaves oneself with true clarity, understanding, and determination. That is where the motivation manifests and thus, sustains.

Making a firm decision to do something doesn't motivate or change anything for its only the mental starting point. Redesigning and reimagining your life will allow you to easily identify the true problems and solutions which will make the changes you need to make obvious for moving forward. Change can only start with the proper mindset.

The ultimate question is, do you really want change and a "new you?"