A New Year’s resolution is typically a commitment to oneself for the year ahead – perhaps to accomplish a project, change a habit, or make a lifestyle transformation. Some people love to make resolutions; others rarely or never do. It’s also fair to say that a lot of people who make resolutions do not follow through.
It’s not easy to maintain commitments to oneself simply because we make them in January. The same forces that contribute to the difficulty of implementing life changes are at play in January just as they are the rest of year.
The tradition of the New Year’s Resolutions goes back to 153 B.C. The Romans named the first month of the year after Janus, the god of beginnings and the guardian of doors and entrances. Janus was always shown with two faces, one on the front of his head and one on the back. At midnight on December 31, the Romans imagined Janus looking back at the old year and forward to the new. Janus became the ancient symbol for resolutions.
Much of our behaviour as humans is habitual. Implementing personal change often begins with confronting an ingrained habit and making a commitment. To counter habits that have literally been burned into our brain’s neural pathways we must commit to learning new behaviour. This takes intention, perseverance, time and support.
Like many people in my age category, I started smoking when I left home at age 18. It was not the unhealthy, disgusting habit it’s seen as today, but I was sure relieved to get rid of it. My husband is not and was never a smoker, so the pressure was high. I tried quitting several times and finally succeeded when I was 36.
During a discussion on personal motivation for change, one client said recently. “I need to lose some weight. I know that. So, when I’m feeling stressed from work, what is it that compels me to go home and bake and eat a batch of cinnamon buns? I’m an intelligent woman! Why would I do that?
There’s no simple answer to that question. However, rest assured that a critical element for success is support. It is much easier to implement change when we have encouragement from others.
Whatever changes you plan for 2025 be sure to begin with a serious commitment plan and garnering the support you need.
My very best wishes to you for an exceptional year ahead.
Blessings,
Kathleen
