“This is the year that I’m going to get in shape, quit the bad habit, and become even a better person…”

And by January 13th, what usually has occurred?

Complete withdrawal of the New Year’s Day resolution.

Back to the old ways.

Let’s see what does resolution, or resolve really mean? Webster’s defines it as this:

Resolve - To form a purpose; to make a decision; especially, to determine after reflection; as, to resolve on a better course of life.

Hmmm.

I notice that it doesn’t say, “To try something out for a while.” No. To resolve is to form a purpose. To achieve something as part of a bigger plan. So it would seem to me that to achieve anything worthwhile, even crucial, you would need to keep in mind the ‘Big Picture.’

We must continually ask ourself why we are doing this thing. We need to know why we are giving up all that luscious chocolate, or the television, or the gambling. It must go back to the word “Purpose.” Isn’t that true?

No purpose means no resolve. A BIG purpose makes it easier to stay the course. I mean if there are no big, emotion-stirring benefits at the end AND along the way, why would we put forth any effort?

We wouldn’t…

And that’s why so many New Year’s Day resolutions are quickly forgotten.

Let’s make a switch. What do we say?

In fact, not just now, but when we want anything big, whether it be some material thing, health goals, relationship goals, let’s focus on some new stuff.

Namely, what’s truly in it for us?

If we have no reasons, ones that we can really get behind and defend when that little voice tells us that it’s OK to slip, we will give in every time.

We must keep our eye on the benefits. They need to be good.

What are the emotional benefits? Write them down. How will we feel when we reach our goal? If it’s a long- term goal, how will we feel as we are progressing? Imagine it often. This could be crucial in keeping our resolve.

How will our relationships be affected if we reach our goal? Imagine it.

Would anyone else like to see us succeed? How would it benefit them? Would we like that? Any career benefits? Would it mean more money? How much? Prestige? New office? How does this feel?

Any physical benefits? Less pain? Smaller dress size? How would it make us feel?

Write down ALL the benefits, even if it takes us days or weeks to think of them all. Carry this list with us and read it often.

Think back now: Have we made any big resolutions to stop some long-term bad habit or to start a new long-term good habit?

Have we ever stuck with them?

So don’t just read this and forget about it. This is a formula for life success that we have being given. And more than an idea that can only affect a small inconsequential part of our life, this is HUGE!

This kind of habit, skill and “resolve” generating activity can affect every single part of our life…forever.

And it will help develop our character.

The dictionary calls character “A description of a person’s attributes, traits, or abilities.”

What are ours right now?

Well, I’ll tell us, if we can stick to even one important resolution or goal, right to the end, because of constantly keeping our focus on the benefits, then our personal attributes, traits and abilities will all grow in direct proportion to our commitment to keep those benefits firmly in front of us in vivid, living color.

Yes benefits will come our way, my most recent and exciting one was spending time the first annual Poppy Club Celebration . I mention this because being “Pearly Poppy” and a member of the Poppy Club is important to me and something I enjoy. The members of this Club are wonderful people with very special qualities noot just anyone can or will be a Poppy.

There was one point in my life I would not have been a poppy but was a weed struggling and choking among poppies. The qualities are in most everyone to become a Poppy but we all make choices are they the right ones is the question. I had not been making the right ones but one special Poppy recognized what was in me and reached out me. To that Special Poppy I will always be thankful to and for. Yes as a result I can say Life Is Simply Good at Always Victoria’s.

You CAN do it. I know you can. Let’s make this year your best year ever!