Making "thought-full" resolutions

     Benjamin Franklin once said, “How few there are who have courage enough to own their faults, or resolution enough to mind them.”

     According to the Journal of Clinical Psychology at the University of Scranton, over 50% of us will probably make New Year’s resolutions this year, and only 8% of us will be successful in our resolve.  Most resolve to live a healthier lifestyle.  The top ten resolutions for 2012 are:

1. Lose weight
2. Get organized
3. Spend less, save more
4. Enjoy life to the fullest
5. Stay fit and healthy
6. Learn something exciting
7. Quit smoking
8. Help others in their dreams
9. Fall in love
10.  Spend more time with family

     Colin Czarnecki in the Naperville Patch posted some great tips to help resolvers make more successful resolutions.  They are:

1. Make it attainable. Be sure that your resolution is attainable. Sticking to your monthly budget is attainable—making a million dollars may not be.

2. Tell everyone. If you tell everyone about your resolution, you are more likely to keep it. If you want to quit smoking, you can even go as far as telling your friends that you'll give them $50 if they catch you lighting up.

3. Be specific. If you want to get fit in the new year, set a specific goal. For example, instead of saying you want to get fit, say you want to lose 10 pounds and tone your arms and legs.

4. Start small. Create small goals for yourself. If you want to organize your house, assign one room to each month. In January, organize your kitchen. In February, organize your bedroom. In March, your organize your office. In April, you organize your garage, and so on.

5. Write it down. It's important to motivate yourself throughout the year. Write your resolution down on every month in your calendar. Don't let yourself forget about your resolution as the year goes on.

     Resolutions to live a healthier lifestyle can be on the list for many of us.  To think healthier is also important.  According to Healthy Living, “Life is like the ocean. Sometimes rough, sometimes calm. Full of ups and downs. The fact is that whether you think positively or negatively, you shape your life accordingly. Negative thoughts can divert your attention from your plans. Thinking positively can change your entire life. It is a key to success in every aspect of life.”

     The Bible agrees when it states, “…my brothers, fill your minds with those things that are good and deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable” (Phil 4:8).  For many people, a positive outlook has more meaning when based in a supreme power and His/Her unconditional love and sound guidance for man.  This gives them a connection to something more powerful than themselves. 

     I have found this turning to God very helpful in keeping resolutions.  It gives me humility to make resolutions attainable; strength to keep my resolve; and compassion for myself if I temporarily break a resolution.

     Have a Happy 2013 – filled with healthy thinking and healthy living!