Of Resolves and Resolutions in 2021

Happy New Year and Happy New You!! If only all of us had the gumption of Calvin in rejecting resolutions forever! Yet are we not a lil bit wiser since 2020 and the pandemic? Making resolutions and setting goals is easy - pivoting around them when things go wrong - that is a different skill altogether.

That's why, this year I am moving to the less serious, less complicated, more flexible version of resolutions - it's called a 'Resolve'. How is it different from 'Resolution'?

As the dictionary goes, 'A resolution is defined as a decision to do or not do something.' Whereas - 'A resolve is defined as firm determination to do something.'

In 2021, I am not deciding for/ against anything. No resolutions. Instead, I am building resilience and determination in me - to choose my truest self and continue taking action on that path. To keep doing what matters, what is right and what is true to me - despite external circumstances. And that goes way deeper than exercising every day or eating healthy or reading more books or travelling more.

A resolve to action - no matter what changes. A resolve to stay focused - no matter how many distractions or temptations. A resolve to simplify and give clarity to the things that make me, ME. A resolve to do more of what matters to me - no matter what people say or how they judge or what they think.

As for all of you, my lovely readers, who have made resolutions to change something in yourselves, I suggest you start with changing habits. In the book 'Atomic Habits', James Clear highlights that achieving our goals starts with being "1% better every day". That starts with your daily habits, not writing in journals or your vision board about your goals.

That's where a resolve can help more. The first resolve is to look inside - what is it that is holding us back? Which mindsets do we need to let go of? What do we need to accept? What influences are shaping our thoughts? As Plato said, "Know thyself." Only then can you walk ahead and face everything that life throws your way.

My resolve this year is to help women become better at work. That starts first with me. I have always admired the Lean In movement and Melinda Gates' initiatives for equality at work. This year, I will share my learnings, struggles and resources on women and work and how women can build their professional brand and net worth on an elevated level.

What's your resolve? Let me know.

Till next week.

Love, Annie