Every year, many of us make a resolution to do something new and different. After a few weeks, we go back to the way we were. The next year, we repeat the process. According to Webster, the word “resolution” is a noun and means the act of finding an answer or solution to a conflict, problem, etc. Pay attention to the words, “the act of finding”. Maybe resolution should be an action verb.

Most resolutions we make are to be healthier. We find a gym, personal trainer, an extreme diet, etc. We go to the first gym sessions and 24 hours later we discouraged by how sore and unfit we are and the foods we have limited ourselves to eating don’t give us the energy to get through the day. Being too sore, too tired, and too hungry for the short time are sometimes the only motivations we need to stop.

Resolutions should be gradual. Don’t do the top tier, all-out high impact boot camp suited for extreme athletes and a restrictive diet all in the first month. Instead, try 3 days of walking for 30 minutes the first 2 weeks of January and time yourself. Gradually change processed foods for more natural, fresh of what you’re eating. The next 2 weeks set a goal to reduce the amount of time it takes to walk 30 minutes. Find another healthier alternative to one of your not-so-healthy foods.

Doing things too quickly doesn’t always produce permanent results. “A bonanza at the beginning is no guarantee of blessing at the end.” (Proverbs 20:21)

Make a resolution to continue to gradually your life. Small changes have a greater, lasting impact over time than drastic ones which disappear as quickly as they were made. Your body, mind and spirit will return to you more than you expected and you will not be disappointed this year-throughout the whole year and then some.