My New Year’s Resolution….NO Resolutions!

RESOLUTION… a decree, declaration, decision, notion, promise, pledge, oath or vow.

This is a word that gets a lot of play in December of each year and often fades into the shadows a few weeks later.

The root of resolution is RESOLVE, like, I resolve to do something.  This word has a little more power, and its meanings carry some strength that” notion” or “vow” just can’t muster. Like…. determination, steadfastness, tenacity, firmness and perseverance.

But even RESOLVE has its drawbacks, so I’m suggesting that rather than make New Year’s Resolutions, you adopt a MOTTO for the New Year.  A motto that you can live by for the next 12 months.

I’ve been using the same one for the last 20 years.  Don’t limit your challenges, Challenge your limits.  It’s so ingrained in me that it has second nature.  So I’m going to add a new one for 2010.  This isn’t an original, but when I read it a few months ago I knew right away that this would work….for me.

GET UP……DRESS UP……SHOW UP

Literal translation: get out of bed; put on your clothes; go somewhere.

My translation:

GET UP means to psyche yourself up for the day, every day.  Use affirmations, gratitude lists, positive platitudes, whatever works for you as a way of “getting UP”. 

DRESS UP…..we’re all actors on the stage of our own lives, so look good when you step out on the stage…..out your front door. Whatever your style of dress, wear it clean and wear it proud.

SHOW UP means you are present in every situation.  You are engaged.  You are engaging.  You are seeking first to understand, and then to be understood. 

Get Up…Dress Up…Show Up may not be right for you, but I’m sure you can think of a motto that DOES work for you and that will bring you to a place next New Year’s Eve that will cause you to smile and say to yourself; “I did it!”

 

Suggested Mottos:
Get Up….Dress Up…..Show UP

This is MY year.

Always Think before you Act.

Be Here, Now.

I won’t do that again, in 2010.

 

No matter what you chose for your motto, remember to commit at least 1 random act of kindness every week.  (Send me the good ones so I can use them to).

 

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1. dress up says:

   January 5, 2010 at 12:40 pm

   I gave up new years resolutions myself last year! i just try and live better!
2. Rory Coleman says:

   January 6, 2010 at 4:24 am

   Hi Jerry…inspirational stuff and really ther bedrock of what makes guys like us tick. My philosophy is all about standards of what you will and will not let yourself do. Alcohol is plainly not allowed as is smoking or eating rubbish as I decided to clean up my act!

   Now, I don’t even think about the standards as they are so ingrained. As a personal coach it’s also great to deliver these to others. So maybe that’s a good enough reason for being here in the first place.

   Keep the Faith and Keep Running LeanHorse…

   Rory Coleman
   rory@rorycoleman.co.uk
3. Beth Blackwell says:

   January 6, 2010 at 10:57 am

   Very inspiring! I love this and am going to work on my motto for 2010. Also like the random acts of kindness … very nice. Wouldn’t the world be a better place if we all did this!

   Thank you for the inspiration