RESOLUTION

(originally published in 1999)

Definition - a formal expression of opinion, will or intent
Redefinition - YOUR INSURANCE POLICY FOR SUCCESS, THE ART OF NEVER GIVING UP

Happy New Year!!! New Year's Day is my favorite holiday. Unlike all the other holidays, it's very essence engenders change, growth, evolution and maybe even revelation. Why? It's the first day of the year where we can start fresh and anew. Per annum we have yet another opportunity to leave our past behind and look forward to the future with heightened expectation instead of fearful apprehension.

How do we take advantage of this new beginning? By making resolutions which inspire us to higher heights. By decreeing that, from this day ad infinitum, a positive light will radiate upon us and emanate from us.

What is resolve?

RESOLVE means you've made promises to yourself with your Creator as a witness;

RESOLVE means that when the going gets tough, the tough don't go shopping, the tough become like teflon where no adversity or affliction sticks to you;

RESOLVE means you've shed your skin like a snake and the new you has emerged, merging with your own pre-determined destiny;

RESOLVE means you cannot go backward and you refuse to go downward; the route of progress, forward and upward, is the only possible and conceivable boulevard of progression;

RESOLVE means it is time to GO FOR IT; the spineless and gutless you must die in lieu of a powerful, inner drive and determination, capable of unleashing the lion's pride, the tiger's tenacity, the panther's prowess, the eagle's acuity and the owl's sagacity;

RESOLVE means you are ready to take on the arduous -- reciprocally rewarding -- task of self-improvement and self-enlightenment; and, of utmost importance,

RESOLVE means you've mastered the ART OF NEVER GIVING UP.

So, since we're at the beginning of the year, let us commence with the process of making resolutions. But, before we take the first step, let us destroy two crippling myths: 1) Making resolutions is a daunting task and 2) Carrying them out is painful. We all know people who refuse to make resolutions, bemoaning, "I don't make resolutions. I always break them, so why even make them." This is a clear sign of diffidence. By not resolving to improve one's lot in life one will ensure another lackluster year. Furthermore, adoption of a cynical philosophy is the stamp on a disposition of disdain and disgust with onself, due to inability to exercise self-discipline and live up to one's self-expectations. What this all boils down to is fear, a paralytic state of mind, which can destroy the spirit.

Therefore, to effectively begin making resolutions, a subtle, philosophical change may be necessary. Resolutions should not be one's nemesis lurking around the corner, just waiting for the opportunity for one to stumble. Resolutions should be thought of as ONE'S INSURANCE POLICY FOR SUCCESS. Look at it like this: if you pay your insurance dues monthly, weekly or, better yet, daily, how do you think you will fare in the ensuing years? Will you be in a more promising position than you are today? Probably so. Daily commitments and disciplines are the seedlings of resolution, there's no mistake about it. Commitment and discipline, commitment and discipline -- say it to yourself over and over. This type of positive affirmation can only help you set and maintain resolutions.

Now that we have the philosophical adjustment necessary to guarantee our success, I'll give you some sure fire keys to make resolutions:

1. Don't bite off more than you can chew. It's easier to eat a steak when it's cut into little pieces.


2. Don't be too easy on yourself. The only way to expand the possible is by going into the impossible. Stretch the limits of your possibility. It might amaze you to find out what you can do if you give it a try.


3. Don't compare your resolutions with anyone else's resolutions. Everyone grows at a different rate. Remember the turtle beat the hare.


4. Keep a diary of your progress. You must always be cognizant of your direction. It's easier to know where you're going when you know where you came from.


5. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Everyone needs help from time to time. It's hard to succeed by yourself -- but it's easy to fail by yourself.


6. Encourage someone else. When you help someone else you help yourself. The combined will of two people can have amazing force.


7. If you break a resolution, don't get discouraged. Immediately jump back on the bandwagon. I've known many alcoholics who have fallen off the bandwagon and successfully climbed back on and stayed on. The worst thing you can do is grovel in the dirt, mired in self-pity and diffidence.

With these seven keys in mind, YOUR INSURANCE POLICY FOR SUCCESS will mature at an accelerated rate. If you resolve you will rise above.

Copyright by Kirk Charles, 1999

Redistribution or reprinting of any kind, in any type of media, without the prior written authorization of Kirk Charles is strictly prohibited.