A New Resolve for an Old Resolution

If you are like me, every year you set New Year's resolutions. And for me, one goal in particular always finds itself on my list: "This year I resolve to lose 20 pounds." As I ponder what my resolutions will be for 2009, I have to wonder if perhaps setting this resolution, once again, is in vain. After all, if I'd actually lost the 20 pounds over the prior year, would not this be considered a goal met, thereby allowing me to remove it from this year's list? This thought caused me to ask myself, "Why do I think that the New Year will magically bring the ability to do something that I could not achieve during any other time of the year? And for the love of Pete, why am I not losing the weight?"

To gain a little more insight as to why I seemed powerless to succeed each and every year (even though I'm fully aware of the benefits I would reap if I did), I conducted some research on what "resolution" means. According to dictionary.com, one of the (many) definitions of the word "resolution" is: "The act, operation, or process of resolving." As broad as this definition is, I think I can apply it to my situation. The "act, operation, or process" of resolving, for me, indicates that I have a problem that needs solving. Do I, indeed? Well, the fact that I feel the need to lose 20 pounds seems to fit the fact that there is a problem(s) (ie: my clothes are too tight, I've developed a second chin, my scale displays numbers that shock me) that needs to be resolved. Fair enough. Now I have a set of problems. Not only do I need to lose 20 pounds, I need to worry about the consequences carrying 20 extra pounds creates.

Whew! And this is just one resolution of roughly a dozen I've got on the docket for 2009! Perhaps for the sake of sanity (and the potential for success) this year, I should consider attacking this particular goal from a different angle: one that allows for successful achievement in a more self-accepting and less self-defeating manner. After all, losing 20 pounds seems not only nearly impossible for me, but it also brings with it the added stress of having a closet full of too-small clothes, a side profile that rivals that of a turkey, and a coolish relationship with my bathroom scale. Perhaps, rather than resolving to accomplish something that is obviously not happening for me, I should instead focus on resolving the smaller issues that have resulted by not meeting my goal. I mean, really.....how hard would it be to start buying clothes in my real size rather than holding onto the dying hope that I will one day fit into what currently hangs in my closet? An added benefit would be that, by finally embracing my "new" size, my wardrobe might actually be in fashion! And a double chin can always be camouflaged with a few well-placed scarves and clever makeup tricks. And who says I need to keep a scale in the bathroom, or in the house at all, for that matter? How liberating to toss it out with the leftover Christmas trimmings! I really never need to weigh myself again, if you think about it; hence, eliminating a resolution I would never need to worry about achieving again.

As tempting as it is to forego my standby resolution for good, I must be realistic. If I am to be completely honest with myself, I know I'm not ready to eliminate this resolution. I know that it is in my best interest health-wise to stay the fight and work to make this resolution a reality. I also know that, doggone it, I WANT to lose this weight! I know I will look and feel better. So maybe I should focus instead on resolving to make a few lifestyle changes. For example, maybe I can plan my meals and snacks daily, and ensure I am stocking my fridge and pantry with healthful foods. I can resolve to cut out desserts and second helpings. And would it kill me to take a daily walk and pick up a set of free weights a couple of times a week? Finally, maybe I can think smaller in terms of overall weight loss.....as in, shooting for five pounds instead of 20. Maybe the idea of losing a whole 20 was overwhelming enough to subconsciously set myself up for failure.

Whatever the reason, the old resolution didn't stick. So, while I'm not ready to throw the idea of dropping a few pounds out with the bathroom scale, I am willing to change the way I resolve to make a change. And that, I must say, feels like a lighter load to bear already!

Happy, Healthy New Year!