Only way to keep resolutions

I have celebrated New Year’s Day 60 times after attaining adulthood and have made many resolutions every December 31 night, hoping to use them as a blueprint for future happiness. Unfortunately, I have lost count of how many of those resolutions were laid to rest. The guilt of not being able to come up even to my own expectations always prompted me to make new resolutions for the next year with more zeal and determination.

I know I am not alone in this struggle. All human beings are poor at resisting temptations, and hence, keeping the New Year resolutions. The resolve of drinking less, working harder, eating better, exercising regularly and forgiving others who may have hurt us remains an unfulfilled promise. Such behaviour is controlled by a simple principle; we value the pleasure of the present more than the satisfaction and happiness of the future. This problem is, in fact, a problem of life for most of us; being victims of our temptations and being short-sighted. No wonder, Oscar Wilde said, ‘I can resist everything except temptation.’

Who according to rationale, logic and ageless wisdom are the people best positioned for success? Of course, those who have self-control and grit and can persevere. Discipline involves doing what you have to do when you don’t want to do it. Achievements through the temptation-resistance path can be a boon, but if you fail to achieve a goal you were dedicated to and focused on, the hazards increase manifold. One may wonder if exercising willpower and determination come naturally to us. No, in fact, what is natural to most human beings is to remain patient, even procrastinate and stay ‘as is where is’.

So, what helps you keep your resolutions? Qualities like discipline, character and values are, in the ultimate analysis, foundation of lasting success and happiness. Self-control for achieving what one wants has another dimension which either we have not understood or we prefer to ignore. One can exercise self-control by practising moral traits like compassion, truthfulness, honesty and loyalty. It is easier to keep your promise to yourself if you have faith in such moral principles. When you put the interest of another person ahead of yours, you are indeed exercising self-control. Our forefathers led their lives based on moral principles and good relationships that encouraged the closely-knit society to support one another. It was not only because of their hard work that they achieved what they did but their sacrifices, compassion, loyalty to others that would be returned time and again when they required it. Their verbal commitments were honoured as they enjoyed far more authority than any legal contract. Such conduct nurtured self-control and determination in them.

I hope the resolve of training yourself in moral values to exercise self-control will help you keep your 2021 resolutions.