Do you ever make resolutions for the New Year? Every year for the past 25 years or so I have done my annual “Resolution Ride” on my mountain bike. I leave home very early New Year’s morning so that I can sit on the little hill on the west bank of Salem Lake and watch the sun rise. I have been out in cold, snow, rain, and everything in between. The last couple of years have been cloudy and/or rainy, but this year was spectacular!
We also work on goals, resolutions, here at Daggett Shuler. Interestingly, I had never looked up the definitions of “resolution” previously, but one of our attorneys gave me a definition this past week. Resolution is a decision to do, a commitment. Commitment is a sincere and steadfast fixity of purpose; binding yourself emotionally to a course of action; or, to make a pledge or dedication. Wow, these are powerful words!
So, let’s spend some time reviewing resolutions. Resolutions can take many forms. They seem to divide into two big categories of pragmatic and aspirational. Pragmatic are specific such as a goal to lose ten pounds. Aspirational goals are not as empirical rather more like becoming more patient, a better dad, or strengthening relationships.
Resolutions typically fall into categories like weight loss and health, personal betterment, professional development, volunteer more, educational advancement, and spiritual growth. Many people make more than one resolution every year. Interestingly, folks rarely actually keep their resolutions.
So, how do we make resolutions stick? Find a partner to make a similar resolution so you can help keep each other on track. Experts say it takes about 30 days to break a bad habit and form a new one, so stay at it. Post your resolution in a place where you will see it often such as your bathroom mirror, dashboard, or computer screen. Most of all, be your own cheerleader.
Over the coming weeks we’ll be discussing some of our law firm goals, or resolutions, that we’ll be working on for 2012. We invite you to join us with some resolutions and to feel free to share them with us. I will also be sharing some of my own.
Together, we can make 2012 a great year. Please join us in taking positive steps forward.