Have Resolve, Not Resolutions

BY Colleen Mariotti February 10, 2015

No matter what corner of the world we are in, this season often brings to light the feeling that whatever we are doing is not enough. We have not bought enough, or written enough, or called enough or exercised enough, or volunteered enough. From holidays in the United States to New Zealand to Italy, the feeling always arrives on time. It makes sense then, that a desire to close those gaps comes along with the new year. We are going to make resolutions to shore up all the ways we are not enough!

Here is a list of the Top 10 Most Commonly Broken New Year’s Resolutions from Time Magazine:

Lose Weight and Get Fit
Quit Smoking
Learn Something New
Eat Healthier Diet
Get Out of Debt and Save Money
Spend More Time with Family
Travel to New Places
Be Less Stressed
Volunteer
Drink Less

This year let us say, enough is enough! We don’t break resolutions because we are not strong enough, or focused enough or because we don’t have enough time. We break them because the very act of setting them, communicates that we believe we are, in this moment of our lives, NOT ENOUGH!

Perhaps the word resolution is misunderstood. A resolution is, “The mental state or quality of being resolved or resolute; firmness of purpose.” No where in the definition does it say, “What is wrong with you and how will you fix it?

This year, we can focus on our resolve and firmness of purpose to live deliberately in each moment of each day. If we focus on what IS working and come from a place of gratitude, the weight falls off, the bank account magically grows and the time to live with purpose lays out the red carpet across continents.

Thinking about the new year from a place of what is going well feels like momentum rather than a contract soon to be broken. The only explanation for this is the belief that we are enough. It does not mean goals and project plans won’t get set. It means they will flow more easily and bring more joy because we are always more productive when we feel good.

To have resolve means to “transform or determine.” This year let us be determined to transform our belief about resolutions from one of lack to one of appreciation.

Here is how you can “Livit” today:

Today I am deliberate about articulating what worked in my life this past year.

Spend a few minutes today jotting down things in your life that worked to bring you joy and fulfillment this past 12 months.

For now, ignore any gaping holes you seem to gravitate toward, and focus only on appreciation for your experience. Be specific!

Live with this appreciative list today and notice how it feels.

Today I am deliberate about articulating what worked in my life this past year because I know that focus will bring more ease and joy into my experience.

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Colleen Mariotti

Colleen Mariotti is a mother, teacher, leadership coach, writer, and co-founder of Livology: The Study of Living Deliberately. Her observations come from a deep desire to share, practice, and continue to learn and grow, by being present in the world every day. She and her husband Ron sold all of their belongings and hit the road in 2013. With their three young children, they have traveled to 18 countries and counting. The real journey has been in becoming intentionally adventurous parents, students and observers of the world, one moment at a time. Visit her at www.livology.com