Susie Caron Pet & Wildlife Art
  • HOME
    • PET PORTRAITS & REVIEWS
    • HOW TO ORDER YOUR PET PORTRAIT
  • ABOUT
  • BLOG
    • Parent's Blog
  • SHOP
    • Books
    • AWARD WINNING PAINTINGS BY SUSIE E CARON
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   PARENTING BLOG
SUSIE E CARON
MOTHER, TEACHER AND PSYCHOLOGIST RETIRED
WELL, MOTHER'S NEVER RETIRE. RIGHT?


Why Resolutions Don't Work and This Will

1/2/2016

 
Picture
Why Resolutions Don't Work & This Will
by Susie E. Caron (c) 1/2/16

Every year people make "New Year's Resolutions," to improve something. So why don't their 'resolutions'  ever stick? This is a terrible cycle and when you don't reach your goals, how do you feel? Most of us feel like we failed.   In this article I reveal the reason and offer you a solution that has worked for me.

First, let's look at the word resolution.
When you resolve to do something it means you've made your mind up about it and you plan to do it. It also usually involves  setting goals to measure your success.  But something has to be wrong, because every year the same goals are set - lose weight, exercise more, get healthy, spend more time with loved ones, and on and on, and that are never reached.


Why?

    "A resolution doesn't work, because it's a trap you set for yourself."

Why, oh why in the world, with all the pressure around you to perform, would you lay out something, namely 'resolutions', to make sure you fail?

Maybe you need a different word.

This is what I did.
I hate feeling like I've let myself down. So instead of setting traps for myself. I asked myself what I wanted. When I wanted to feel healthy or energetic, I asked myself, "How can I get those?" I answered by scheduling in a particular kind of exercise. In the summer I do what fits in with my daily life (garden and horseback ride) and in the winter I do something else (use equipment and workout in my home.) These work for me because I enjoy them.....well not the winter ones, but I'm motivated so I can continue to do the things I really enjoy in the summer.

When I asked, "What can I do to stop gaining weight as I 'mature'?" I realized I couldn't eat the same portions at 60 as I had when I was 20. So I wrote down the things I really enjoyed eating, cross referenced with what was also healthy, and started a pattern that has really worked for me.  In fact over the next 5 years, I lost 25 of the 30 pounds I'd gained in my early 50's while I attended graduate school. I don't deprive myself at all because I make sure to include my craving for 2 dark chocolates every day!!! (Don't tell anyone.  I've got them hidden, because they are just for me.)

Come on! Change the way you think. Stop setting traps for yourself. Instead of  'resolving' to do this or that hard thing, why not just think about what you WANT? 
That's not so hard is it? 

Please share this article. Stop the yearly maddness.  Help me get the word out to help people do what they want this year.

Happy, Happy News Year to You and Your Family
Twee' Means You and Mean
Getting better every day.



Ben
1/2/2016 07:17:37 pm

Good message. I've found that identifying and focusing on what I really want makes a big difference.

Jan Kearney link
1/2/2016 07:26:22 pm

Great message Susie. I know I haven't set a resolution in years because of exactly what you say - setting up for failure usually through deprivation.
I was reading a blog earlier about setting intentions and how to intentionally keep motivated and on track. That resonated, as did your post. Both are about intentionally working *towards* gaining something and staying motivated.

peppylady (Dora) link
1/2/2016 09:34:35 pm

Found your blog though Alama. I didn't do any resolution this time around.
I make them daily "I want to help lift someone up, so there life will be better. Even if it small"

Stop in some time for a cup of coffee.


Comments are closed.
    Picture
    Susie E. Caron 
    These are from my former life with many current memories and helps for parents. 
    I retired from teaching, became a psychotherapist treating children and families and an author. After retiring I became a full time artist. 
    I recently reopened this parenting blog because I believe wisdom is to be shared. 
     

    Author of Chidren's Books,
    Christian, Wife, & Mother, I want to help you build parent-child relationships, 1 blog, & books at a time.
    When I'm not  busy creating articles or paintings, you might find me  looking for dark chocolate or playing with my Boxer, Josie.
    Disclaimer
    These articles are for educational and self-help purposes only and are not intended as psychotherapy. 
    If you experience unusual symptoms or discomfort please see your medical or mental health practitioner.

    No patent liability is assumed for use of the information contained. The author disclaims any responsibility for loss or risk for use or application  of this material.
    Picture
         Buy All 3 Today.

    Categories

    All
    About Kids
    Family Activities
    Memories
    Parent Tips
    PictureBooks
    Poetry
    Relationships
    Safety
    Self Care
    WritePublishMarket
    WritePulishMarket

    Picture
    Tweets by @CGPSusieCaron

    Archives

    January 2017
    December 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    April 2014
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013

    RSS Feed

    Blog  Reviews & Thank You!
    Sheila Michelle‎
    July 13 at 7:17pm · 
    Just wanted to say that I love your posts about the different ways to connect/relate/understand your child. It has given me a new approach towards understanding my daughter and allowing HER to tell me how she feels instead of me suggesting to her how she should feel. Thanks Susie!

    
   Susie E. Caron ., Author   c 2013 - 2021...  All Rights Reserved.
*Affiliate Links: Some of the links I may post from time to time are "affiliate links."   This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission., which does not affect the price you  pay. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. However, the customer is responsible to research and choose according to personal and business needs. The customer, and not this author, also assumes full responsibility for use, loss or risk for selecting and using products and services. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials." 
Susie E. Caron      2013 - 2023
***Disclaimer
All articles in this website are for educational and self-help purposes only .
No patent liability is assumed for use of the information contained. The author disclaims any responsibility for loss or risk for use or application  of this material.
Memberships and Affiliations​
  • AWeber Email *    Free
  • Village Frame Shoppe & Gallery
  • ​Bryan Memorial Gallery
  • Northern Vermont Artists Associations​
  • B's Flowers & Gifts​​
  • HOME
    • PET PORTRAITS & REVIEWS
    • HOW TO ORDER YOUR PET PORTRAIT
  • ABOUT
  • BLOG
    • Parent's Blog
  • SHOP
    • Books
    • AWARD WINNING PAINTINGS BY SUSIE E CARON