Do you believe in New Year's resolutions?  Do you think that just because you make commitments to read more, watch TV less, eat less, exercise more, love more, hate less, that you can make it happen in the new year?           Perhaps not! Yet, let’s at least acknowledge that one of the greatest behavior modification tools we have at our disposal is the annual exercise of resolving to improve our performance. Sure, there are some people who sneer at the custom, saying that we should strive to be our best all through the year, then, we wouldn't need resolutions that begin January 1st. Although there is wisdom in that statement, one can postulate that few of us are in that category. Human frailty suggests that we all have a tendency to stray off course from time to time.  That's where the need for written directions comes in. There is something magical about writing down our commitments to ourselves.

Just as you would follow a recipe to bake that chocolate fudge cake, or follow the road map to get you from Columbus to Corsicana; you need to follow directions to get you from where you are, to where you want to be. Think about it!  Why do you make a list when you go shopping? Suppose you were having a party for a large group of friends.  Would you trust your memory to cover all the essential elements for a successful evening? If not, then why trust your memory when it comes to preparing for a happier life. Some people keep a diary to record events that have already occurred. Why not record events that you would like to have occur?  The very act of writing your prescription for a new you is, in itself, the first step toward your goal.

Whether your ambition is to go back to school for that degree, or to spend more time with your family, or even to take up finger painting; write it down with anticipation of its fulfillment. Resolutions are merely insights into your potential for excellence. If you were not capable of shaping your destiny, you would have no capacity to dream. Don't be afraid to expect great things from yourself. History has proven that anything the mind can conceive and believe; it can achieve. Visualize the new you, then write it and read it every day.  Even if you don't succeed in reaching every goal you strove for, just think how much closer you will be for trying. Conversely, if you strive for nothing, you will certainly achieve it.