Trigger Question #53:
Did you know resolutions are for any time of year? If you have a craving for a new resolution, there is no law that states you must wait until the new year. However, there is a law you should be aware of when trying to stick to your resolutions.
You might think that the more resolute you are, the more your resolutions will stick. And they will, but not in the manner you hope.
When we talk of making resolutions stick, we normally mean that we stick to doing them. As envisioned and planned. Well, the more determined you are to stick to your resolutions, the more your resolutions will stick it back at you. Definitely not what you envisioned or planned.
You can blame Sir Isaac Newton for this. He’s the guy who warned us that for every action, there is always an equal and opposite reaction. He worded it a bit more scientifically. Like this: The mutual actions of two bodies upon each other are always equal, and directed to contrary parts. (And then he called it Newton’s Third Law of Motion.)
What does this law mean for your goals and resolutions? Well, the harder you push (exert force) at keeping your resolutions, the more your resolutions will push back (exert force) to keep you stuck.
Did you spot the simple trick we can use to overcome resolution push back? It’s there, hiding in that Third Law of Motion:
Use less force on your resolutions, and they will use less force against you.
Don’t make such a big deal of your resolutions. Don’t over-think them, don’t over-plan them, don’t over-do them. Above all, don’t be so resolutely “force-full” with them.
Welcome to my side of the nonsense divide.
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Quote of the Moment:
“Here’s my First Law of Resolutions: You will make it until you break it.” The Chief Nonsense Officer.
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