New Year’s Resolution

It has been said many times before, "A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other". In other words, for the most part, New Year resolutions are all talk and no walk; just wishful thinking. We begin each year with good intentions, but data shows within 90 days we're back to our old way of doing things. The number one New Year's resolution is to lose weight. Ah, how many of us have made that promise? To manage debt & save money is the second most promised New Year's resolution. These two resolutions have been in the top two spots for many years. Many people from all walks of life have tried but to no avail, have failed miserably. Losing weight, managing debt and saving money both have one thing in common. Self discipline. Self discipline isn't something you're without on December 31 and on January 1^st you speak it and it appears. Self discipline must be acquired, (you can't buy it) it must be earned by the training of one's mind; it's like acquiring a taste for fine wine. Repetition is a major component in the development of self discipline. In other words, you have to keep doing it over and over until it becomes a habit. It doesn't just happen overnight. When I ran a marathon (26 miles), I didn't just up one day and run the next day, heck, I trained for 6 months, and yes it did become addictive. It's amazing what one can do when we develop self discipline. Imagine, being able to make yourself, do the things that you ought to be doing, when you just don't feel like doing them. Wow! There would be no limits to what one could accomplish. I'm reminded of the biblical story of King Solomon and his wish. After Solomon had become King, the night after God appeared to him in a dream and said, "Ask what you wish, and I shall give thee." "Lord," replied Solomon, "thou hast made me King, and I am but a little child. Now give me wisdom and understanding, that I may govern this people." Now that's what I'm talking about! Solomon could have asked for riches and glory but he didn't, neither did he ask for a long life. Instead he asked for wisdom and understanding (God granted his wish). The brother knew if he had wisdom and understanding, his wisdom would automatically bring him wealth and all of his heart's desires, and understanding would bring him more. Some of you might be wondering what does this story has to do with your New Year's resolution. Well here's the connect; if you're going make a New Year's resolution, don't focus on the effect, focus on the cause and the effect will automatically appear. In other words, if weight loss is your goal, weight loss represents the effect, self discipline is the cause. The same principle applies with managing debt and saving money, both are effects. You must first deal with the cause (self discipline) and all of your hearts desires will come true. Happy New Year! Or should we say Happy Self Discipline! Give me your thoughts.



"Men are anxious to improve their circumstances, but are unwilling to improve themselves; they therefore remain bound. The man who does not shrink from self-crucifixion can never fail to accomplish the object upon which his heart is set. This is true of earthly as of heavenly things. Even the man whose object is to acquire wealth must be prepared to make great personal sacrifices before he can accomplish his object; and how much more so he who would realize a strong and well-poised life."-James Allen


Here's another...for the road *wink*


"The first and best victory is to conquer self."-Plato

 
The 3^rd Eye

Robert