Monday, January 4, 2010

It's Not A Resolution, It's A Promise

I'm sure that by this point in the new year, you've already seen a bajillion resolutions floating around from people you know and blogs you read. And I'm sure you've made a few of your own. So I could sit here and list my resolutions for you, too. You know, just to share.

But see, the reality? I don't really make resolutions. I don't really keep them. I seem to have a complete lack of willpower when it comes to denying myself something I've decided I like. So this year, I'm taking a different approach. I'm not making resolutions for myself. I'm making promises to other people.

I'm promising Coach three months of telling myself "no" at least twice a week when I want something I don't have to have. Like a $2.60 cup of hot chocolate every morning on the way to work.

I'm promising Jock three months of letting him drive without hearing "I think you need to....." come out of my mouth. He really is a good driver, and I want him to know that I believe in him.

I'm promising Bug three months of having my undivided attention for at least 15 minutes each day. I want there to be not a single doubt in his mind that he is undeniably essential to my life.

I'm promising my friends, both old and new, that I will no longer just sit back and wait for someone to call and include me in their lives. Its said that to have the friend you'd like to have, you need to be that friend. So my phone will be reintroduced to its dialing feature, and my email will see more outgoing mail than it has in the past.

I'm promising my parents and brothers the same thing. To each of them. So I will be calling my dad as well as my mom; and both of my brothers will hear from me even when I'm not reminding them it's someone's birthday.

And to myself? I'm promising myself less guilt over taking time for myself every once in a while and doing something that will benefit no one else but me.

The thing about resolutions? Those are just ideas that you try to accomplish, and shrug off if you don't. But a promise? Those are binding, and you're held accountable for keeping it. I've always been a person who strives to keep any promise I've ever made, so I'm fairly certain I'll have better luck keeping a promise than following a resolution. And the bit about only promising for three months? Once I hit that point, it's a habit and regular part of my life routine.

Besides, in three months? It's going to be too hot to drink hot chocolate in Arizona, anyway.

5 comments:

Karen said...

So, in theory then, you could deny yourself hot chocolate on Monday and Tuesday, and save an indulgence for Friday. Right?

Big Mark 243 said...

I am not a resolution person either, but the idea of 'promises' to yourself and in the service to others you love sounds fabulous!!

Burgh Baby said...

That sounds like a very reasonable list of promises, although I suspect it's never *truly* cold enough there to need hot chocolate. ;-)

FattyBoobaLatty said...

Love Love Love it! I am the anti-resolution, but I love me a good promise!!
I think you have just solved my New Year's problem!
And forgive me if I steal your 15 minutes of undivided attention promise - that is too good to pass up!
Happy New Year!!

Iqra said...

--Its said that to have the friend you'd like to have, you need to be that friend.

--both of my brothers will hear from me even when I'm not reminding them it's someone's birthday.

--It's going to be too hot to drink hot chocolate in Arizona, anyway

My favourite lines :) Especially the "reminding brothers" one. Promises sound better than resolutions--so instead of resolving to walk my dog daily, I'm going to promise her to do it instead.