Fostering the Best of You

Losing weight, exercising, quitting cigarettes or alcohol, paying debts, saving money, learning another language, or buying a car or house are among the most common purposes of early January. Unfortunately, research shows that only 10% of people meet such goals. That is why, instead of resolutions, they have been called new year’s res-illusions.

For example, according to a study done at Cornell University in 2014, after interviewing hundreds of people they found that during the holiday season there was a tendency to increase the purchase of unhealthy foods. And, in the following months, despite good intentions, they continued to eat this way.

Researchers have described some of the psychological factors that hinder the fulfillment of promises. These include failures in willpower, poor impulse control, excessive stress and negative thoughts.

Hence, there are habits and personality characteristics that require transformation before personal goals could be achieved. That being the case, perhaps the most effective new year resolution is to cultivate the best of ourselves. A practical mantra and a powerful prayer is the one that calls for personal growth. According to the famous coach Anthony Robbins, inside each of us there is a sleeping giant waiting to be awakened. That seems to be true. History provides thousands of examples of famous characters who made great achievements despite overwhelming difficulties, and did so by combining a good spirit with a sustained dedication. This way, they took out the giant they carried inside.

The formula is simple. There are four powers that propel us to triumph in life: the power of optimism and faith, the power of desire and intention, the power of service and contribution and the power of long-term dedication. This quartet serves as a prelude to achieving the health, money and love that we all desire.

It is advisable not to expect anything that depends on others but on our own efforts. We must free ourselves from fears, resentments and negative passions that wither our soul and be dedicated to building a promising future. Having clear goals, preparing well and working consistently could lead to harnessing the most valuable of any of us. Then, by the law of attraction, developing a strong inner state will increase the likelihood that external realities will change. A good level of intrinsic power will facilitate the fulfillment of the new year’s resolutions.

Definitely, a good purpose of the month of January is to say "this year I will cultivate the best of me". By doing so, we will enrich personal and family life and help build a better country as well.

By Ramón Rojano, PhD, MFT, MPH, CPC

rojanophd@gmail.com

www.ramonrojano.com