We are now almost nearing the end of January and it's that time of the year when most of us are already busy writing epitaphs of our new year resolutions. The time of the year when 'what could have been this year' becomes 'same time next year'.
As a veteran in this category I have stopped drawing up any new resolutions and even if I do, I have stopped committing overtly. In fact, I have been more a silent observer of the goings on and at best non-committal as far as new year resolutions go.
But, as a subject it continues to fascinate me. Because nothing provides hope for the 'new you' like these resolutions do. Adrenaline and josh is at its highest peak amongst all of us during this period. And no prizes for guessing which are the most common resolutions.
1. Lose weight 2. Start exercising 3. Eat healthy.
Aah, sounds familiar, right!
Some time last week over lunch, my colleagues and me were discussing about what else but resolutions. I was mum as I being an old-timer in this category didn't want to play the wet blanket to the much hopeful novices.
What I didn't know was that there was one more veteran in the group sitting with us. That too more seasoned than me. She very plainly and openly declared, 'I had promised myself two years back that I will start my walks every evening only when I move in to my new home which has a garden. Now, its been almost 1 year since I have moved in and I have not even stepped on that green grass, forget taking a brisk walk on it.' Further she added, 'Since exercising obviously doesn't seem a desirable option to me, I will henceforth focus on eating right. So now, I will wait till I can afford another house which would be closer to a vegetable market.'
After a long pause and when no one knew how to react to her statement, she let out a chuckle and added, 'Of course I was joking about the last bit, guys'. And then the discussion ended in peals of laughter with more stories around resolutions and how to break them.
However, the point I want to make here is different.
The villain of the piece are the big fat stupid excuses. The excuses we constantly give, to justify our noncompliance. Excuses for not keeping our word.
"Today I have slept late so I think its ok if I wake up late tomorrow and skip my exercise."
"Today I am feeling very tired. I think I will start with my brisk walk tomorrow not today."
"Oh, its so dark and cold today morning, I won't go to the gym now, I will go in the evening."
And the list goes on. The excuses don't stop and the tomorrow never comes. The above may just sound familiar to you as we all go through it at one point or another.
But hey, not those who are truly disciplined and committed. For them. excuses are absolutely unacceptable. In fact, they don't even exist in their dictionary.
This rare group will always find some ways and means to ensure that they stick to their plan. They are the ones who keep their word and do what they said they will.
And because of that they command respect, elicit trust and integrity and also show a sense of personal power which few of us can be proud of.
Here's a toast to those special people who make new year resolutions and make them work all through the year and longer.
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