NEW CASTLE —
Two weeks.
That’s what I’m giving you in 2012.
Yep, two weeks.
That’s how long I think it will take you to give up on your New Year’s resolutions.
Sorry, but we’ve been down this road before.
You’re going to lose 10 pounds in January? Haha! Good luck, Charlie.
You’re going to read a book a week? I don’t think so.
You’re going to become more spiritual, right? You’re going to spend more time with the family and less time on Facebook, aren’t you?
I’ll be sure to “Like” your status when you admit you’ve failed again on your goals for the new year.
OK, enough negativity. Since it’s the Christmas season, I’m deep into the heart of giving. So with that in mind, I’m going to lend a hand as you jot down your goals for 2012.
I’m going to share 14 built-in excuses — a full two weeks worth — for you to use when it’s time to call it quits on your resolutions. If you choose to “Say Uncle” before the two-week window, just save the rest for next year. They’re good any time, any date, for any occasion.
Just pick your favorite and share it with whomever you choose to wallow in your sorrow.
Here goes ...
1) My boss is a jerk.
2) My coach hates me.
3) I’m just too busy to hit the gym.
4) I’ve got to work again tonight.
5) I told myself one piece of cake would be OK, then it just snowballed.
6) I get through a couple of pages and I nod off to sleep. I’m just so tired all the time.
7) Getting the kids off to church on Sunday morning is just insane.
8) The Steelers lost and I just couldn’t focus the rest of the week.
9) I was fine without a cigarette until I had a drink.
10) I know I don’t have the money, but those shoes were just calling my name.
11) I really did plan to get some rest, but I needed to pull an all-nighter for my test.
12) I know I still drink pop for breakfast, but at least it’s diet.
13) I know I probably see my kids less now with my new job, but the 15 minutes we spend each day really is quality time.
14) My wife just doesn’t understand me. I really tried to make our relationship work.
There you have it, folks. No need to thank me. These excuses are pre-owned. I’ve heard them all dozens of times before, and I may have used one or two myself (though never No. 1, Larry).
But as a new year dawns, let’s at least stick to one resolution — it’s time to dump all the trash that’s gathered in our minds over the past 365 days or so.
So for me, 2012 will not be a year of doing or trying or striving.
This year, I’m using a different strategy. I’m going to THINK differently as I do what I normally do each day.
Think about it. What if you simply change your thought patterns — not your activities — this year.
Here’s a simple example. We’re all going to eat in the new year. What if we really thought about what goes into our bodies? What if we really thought about how we want to feel after we eat?
Would that help change what we ingest? I think it would.
You can do the same with the TV shows you watch, the amount of time you exercise and ... the list can be as long as your resolutions.
That said, here are three things we SHOULD think about as the ball drops on Times Square this weekend:
•“If you think you can, you can. And if you think you can’t, you’re right.” — Mary Kay Ash
•“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” — Romans 12:2
•“Change your thoughts and you change your world.” — Norman Vincent Peale
What do YOU think?
Is it worth a shot to try not action, but thought?
Will we see the same old you in about two weeks?
Or will we see a new you in 2-0-1-2?
I think we will.
And I think you do, too.
Happy new year, everyone! Much peace, prosperity and love to all of you.
Think you have a good excuse to not make positive changes
this year? I challenge you to watch this video then let me know.
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