Another year is upon us, although in most cultures and societies around the world the first of January holds no significance whatsoever. For them the year restarted on winter solstice and some cultures for economic/agriculture purposes begin or end the year on the vernal or autumnal equinoxes.

In western societies January 1st means resolutions and new commitments. Statistically most (60%)”resolvers” who resolve to resolute themselves are done with those resolutions in less than 45 days, 60 days tops. The remaining 40% dwindle as the year progresses toward the half way mark and ultimately by the Autumnal equinox of this “New Year” only 7-11% of us original “resolvers” will have achieved our resolutions.

I know, that’s a little glum. Not much of a pep talk or motivation booster is it? Well that’s alright I “resolve” to discover why this phenomena is so prevalent…or, at least my $.02 on the subject at this moment.

As I see it there are two reason why resolutions fail.

1) you find something “better”

2) something “better” finds you.

This happens due to the fact that we ultimately consider and perceive of our resolutions only as “good” ideas. “Wouldn’t it be a good thing if I lost some weight; I think it’s a good idea we get a gym membership; a morning devotional/meditation would do me some good.” The problem is, as a species, we are inclined to perfection, whatever that may look like individually. “Good” is “good,” but then there’s “better.”

What’s difficult is the determination of the actuality of the long term “better” decision. Is this “better” actually that, when compared to the “good” long term actuality? That new year job promotion with a pay increase. Is it really a “better” option compared to the “good” idea of say perhaps developing a mental and physical health regimen. Is the trade off of work related stress and anxiety worth the payoff of a promotion. (From personal experience I’m finding this to be a major area of concern)

Because we are inclined to perfection “better” ideas continue to come and the pursuit never ends. I believe if we would slow down long enough and perhaps stop to weigh the available options the “best” ideas would present themselves. At the very least I think we could find a multitude of “best” possible options instead of resorting to hasty “good” ideas and “better” possibilities that flitter like butterflies.

So this year I resolve to take the time to discover the most beneficial and “best” options available for the present situation. I will listen to others’ input in those situations however, ultimately the decision is what is deemed “best” by me, for me, at that particular moment.

Will it always be right, perhaps not. Will I fail, most definitely. But for me it comes down to this, and I’m sure many will agree, being “good” or “better” are only starting points to which the end goal is to be/do the absolute “best” I can. And that takes a little more consideration then a hasty decision on Christmas day to purchase a gym membership.

Do and be what’s “best” for you, your family, and don’t neglect the “good” or the “better.”