Resolve That You Can't Fail

I heard it many times during the past two weeks – the New Year’s Resolution debate. What’s your take?

I make lots of resolutions at the start of each New Year. I love the process. Looking back at last year’s list, I’m reminded of all the things I got accomplished during the past twelve months. Some are small and simple, some are larger and more complex. I’m grateful for what I was able to do. It inspires me to wonder what I might be able to do this year. What a great excuse to design my dream life for 2000.

There are always some “carry-overs” for the new year. Some goals are in progress, and some didn’t happen at all – yet! I also realize, as I look at what I thought I wanted last January, how I’ve grown this past year, as some of the goals that didn’t happen are no longer important to me, or require re-working to make them compelling for me.

I hear some people say that they don’t want to make resolutions, because they’re afraid that they’ll fail to keep those resolutions, and then feel badly about “failing.” Wow. Think back to when you were a child, learning to speak your first words, or take your first steps. If you were afraid to try for fear of failure, you’d still be crawling and gurgling.

My number of resolutions averages between 40-50 each year. They include books I want to read, relationships I want to improve, spiritual development and business goals. I probably hit 20-30 each year. I don’t berate myself for the 20-30 I miss, I celebrate all the goals I did get! Would they have happened on their own? I don’t think so.

You can’t fail unless you say you have. You can’t grow unless you have some “failure.” Fear not. Articulate all that you want for your life, and pursue it at your own pace. Resolutions are a roadmap, not a road race.

A friend sent me a list of New Year’s Resolutions in 1999 – I don’t know the author, but it’s a wonderful roadmap of 45 resolutions healthy for any person, any day. I’ve listed my 15 favorites below...

1. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.
2. Memorize your favorite poem.
3. Don't believe all you hear.
4. When you say, "I'm sorry,” look the person in the eye.
5. Never laugh at anyone's dreams.
6. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.
7. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
8. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.
9. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
10. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
11. Read between the lines.
12. Once a year, go someplace you've never been before.
13. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a stroke of luck.
14. Remember that your character is your destiny.
15. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.

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