Find Solutions, Not ‘Re’- Solutions

The years come and go much quicker as I get older. I realize it is mathematical – when I was five, a year seemed like an eternity because it was the equivalent of 1/5th of my life; at 10 it was 10% of my life, and so on. Each decade, the fraction of a year perpetually decreases, creating the perception that a year is compounded. So, it’s no surprise that another decade has vanished.

I have considered 2020 and what that means to me personally a few times over the past weeks. It’s a good time to assess the past decade and consider the next—a where have I come and where am I going kind of exercise. What are my goals? Will I make resolutions, which is an interesting word. Resolution – a firm determination; resolving to do something; course of action determined or decided on. Based upon one form of this definition it sounds like a resolution moves one beyond a present state into a ‘better’ situation. If a resolution is a resolve, a determination, and an action, then it sounds like a departure from an old way and an arrival to a new way.

I ask myself a key question: How are my resolutions different from last year, or last decade? If my resolutions are the same or curiously similar to last year’s, then perhaps I need to find solutions, not ‘re’-solutions. If they are similar to last year, then my resolutions are not solutions – they lack determination, resolve, and a course of action. They did not move me beyond my old ways.

So what is the solution? Quite frankly, I’m not sure. It’s different for everyone. But I believe it begins with perspective and reality. It’s one of those give-em-a-fish vs. teach-em-to-fish things. It involves lifestyle and behavior patterns. We are often not too keen on accepting responsibility for our behaviors and hence don’t embrace the tools to redirect a lifestyle. What are the most popular new year’s resolutions? Lose weight. Eat healthy. Exercise more. Improve finances. Get organized. Be happy. Find leisure time. All good things; each behaviorally based.

Changing behavior and habits is the key, but really hard. Need proof? If most resolutions pertain to health and weight, why is obesity still on the rise? Half the population is at least somewhat overweight and nearly 25% of adult Americans are considered obese. As far as eating healthy, there are thousands of fast-food restaurants in America, with thousands more opening annually. Consumer debt is at an all-time high. Well over half of all adult Americans report no regular leisure-time physical activity, and 25% say that they get none at all. But hey, don’t worry, be happy.

This year will roll by quickly. Sadly, so will this next decade. But let’s focus on just this next year…2020. Let this year be the beginning of new attitudes towards eating and exercise and overall happiness and wellbeing. Find solutions to implement into your life. Be specific. You know what they are. Move beyond making far-reaching promises that won’t last one week. Determine to slowly implement choices for the better. Nutritionally, try no soda for two weeks, and/or no french fries or chips for…) Maybe you should start by developing a meal schedule since eating before you reach starvation can help you control portions. Controlling portions and easing into regular physical activity makes it easier to be successful. Incorporate physical activity three days per week--walk, bike ride, swim or participate in another aerobic activity. When you can exercise for thirty to sixty minutes each time, increase the number of days.

As the New Decade rolls in, develop a new healthy lifestyle. Get stronger every day – spiritually and physically. Implement solutions. Forget re-solutions. Happy New Year.