Unfolding Now
Dorje M. Jennette | Doctor of PsychologyArchive for February 1, 2010
Resolutions
Now that we’re further into 2010, it’s worth checking in with ourselves on any resolutions we might have made for the new year. As many of us know, new year’s resolutions are notoriously difficult to maintain beyond the first month or so. Why is that the case?
One powerful factor may be that we can psychologically cage ourselves into a resolution, leaving us feeling trapped. Naturally, many of us want to break free of whatever traps us. At least subconsciously, we may break free of that cage in a way that, on the surface, may appear to be self-sabotage (unless we come up with some great excuses).
With a resolution, its easier to feel that not consistently following through is somehow a failure. Alternatively, we could try to set an intention. A working definition for intention, “to have in mind a purpose or plan, to direct the mind, to aim,” implies that we can succeed if we follow through, but we haven’t necessarily failed if it doesn’t all happen at once.
Setting an intention involves a glass-half-full perspective; we can give ourselves credit for the progress we make, encouraging us to keep up with the progress. Each moment that goes by, we can choose to renew our intentions instead of feeling trapped by a resolution made in the past. It’s worth a try.
Comments off
