Resolutions

Here we are once more, at the beginning of another year. I think given everything we’ve all experienced over the last two years, it’s harder to walk into the year ahead with the same reckless optimism that we once did. It’s harder to say with conviction “this is our year” or “this year will be different” and to that feeling I wanted to say something about the word, and the meaning of Resolutions.

The popular use of the term has perhaps diluted the definition itself. We all know that Gyms will be full for the next few weeks, but come February they’ll clear out again. We know that diets and fasting will come and go over the next few weeks, without a true change in habits or behavior. This momentary shift belies the true nature of the word, a Resolution, as the word is actually defined, is adherence to a firm decision or course of action. The key component not being the decision or habit decided upon, but the firmness of conviction, the clarity of desire, and the firm steps forward to follow through on the thing.

In my opinion the habit or routine or strategy is less important than the mindset. Don’t get hung up on a specific routine, or a set number of days in the gym per week. These formulas as we know can set you up for failure and disappointment. Instead perhaps pursue a resolution in this year to be more Resolute. The world around us will always change, and try as we might we can’t control it. There is only one thing that we can control, and that is ourselves. In this new year I say take yourself in hand, and be resolute in your commitment to become a better and more true version of yourself. From this perspective, whatever tools at whatever times will support that quest and that vision are the right ones. If you can’t get to the gym one day when you intended to, be resolute in making yourself better anyway. Do some pushups, go for a walk, but no matter what don’t let yourself down. Let this be the year that YOU prove to YOURSELF that you have strength and integrity of character, remember, Something is Better than Nothing.

Happy New Year Beasts! Go get it!