Resolutions? 

Well Conner, mighty fine time to speak of New Years resolutions. Well, resolutions are not limited to New Years and most of those have a already been abandoned. Multiple research agencies (Driver Research, Forbes etc) show that those resolutions drop off fast. According to some, only 25 percent are still on track after a month. Only 3 of 10 even made a New Year’s Resolution so most never started. But let us talk about the good news, 6-9 percent of those that make a New Years resolution will keep it. I know, it is low, but it is something. And for those people—it is wonderful. Congratulations. 

By now most resolutions have been cast aside but this is not a time to despair. Maybe they were not good resolutions. Maybe it was not good timing. Maybe life changed. I am not here to be a downer. I am here to encourage. It is a month into the new year. Time to create a goal, target or even better—a system that helps us move in a positive direction. In a direction we desire long term. A month in—a wake up call. 

Lets talk about change. People generally look to some specific day to make resolutions or changes. New Year’s Day, a birthday, Monday, Next month. 

I do not do resolutions or change that way. Why? A person long ago once said to me that a New Year’s resolution (or any resolution that starts on a future date) has already failed. Why? Because you waited to start. Which means that you made a decision to make a change, but you decided to wait to make that change. Which means that you already chose ‘not to’ make that change. To stay in a “bad habit.” You “put it off.” You already chose another course of action. Interesting concept. I do not believe it applies to everything, but I do think it applies to many things. If on December 20th I say that, “I will change my diet on January 1”, but eat horribly until then, I have already chosen to fail. I have already chosen another path and created a habit that is opposite of what I say is important. If I say I am going to start saving money for retirement next paycheck and choose to spend this one in a wasteful way … I have already chosen opposite of my stated goal. It is like the drug addict saying I am going to quit taking Meth after this drug tirade. I want to make a change, but choose to engage in the opposite behavior now. Ouch. Why not start now? The failure part, that is life. We will all fail. The behavior that creates a pattern … a habit … that is the part that is more important. That and our response to any failures or shortcomings. 

Because of my friend’s comments many years ago when I choose change, my choice is: If I am going to make a change, then I make it today. Start now with choosing that action rather than choosing decisions that do not support the long term decision/desired behavior.

Yes, I am sure there are times that you must wait. You literally do not have more money to put into that 401K until your child finishes school next semester. There are always exceptions. Truth is, we also tend to put off things that are difficult/unpleasant.

Alas, this is not intended to be a negative article. I am saying that we (as a population) have tended to fall into the trap of “putting off” changes. The decision to change and to start that change now, means that you are already succeeding. Already on the path to the change what you want. It is no longer a dream; rather, it is a process in which you are engaged. It is a commitment to yourself and a success. Small successes lead us to larger ones. Maybe you cannot save the amount you want to save today, but you can start the habit of saving and build. Maybe quitting eating ice cream every night is a daunting change, but eating ice cream every other night for the next month is manageable. 

Aside – I have written about similar topics if you want to review them …

Here I talk about a pre-ride routine that can help.

Here I consider a helpful perspective.

And here I look at motivation. 

Just something to think about as winter engulfs us and we long for spring. Maybe you have not ridden as much as you wanted this winter. I cast no shame—indoor riding is not a joy, for most of us. Certainly for me. Instead of saying, well, next year I will start training earlier; just start training. Get to it. Instead of saying, next winter I will eat better and not gain those extra pounds, just start on a good path today and then when winter arrives next year, hopefully, the motivation will still be with you. In the interim, our health and fitness is enhanced. Spring is coming and the roads will be clear. I certainly have failure to remedy and improvements I want to make. I want to enjoy now and be ready for riding season. How about you?

Image: Magnus D