Forget the resolutions!
We can often reflect on past experiences as a reference point in our lives, to help us define what was good, bad, or ‘needs work’. Reflection on the past can and should lead to some kind of resolution for desirable future experiences that have good or satisfying outcomes . The tragedy of reflection is when there is no resolve to change, because it does not lead the individual to an improved future, and no motivation to act in the present. This kind of stagnant introspection leads to a victimized mindset in which the individual is powerless to change their future and their hope for resolution diminishes over time, or in some cases vanish, leading to behaviors that are often un-examined and impulsive towards routine actions because it’s the comfortable thing to do at the moment.
If you are the type of person to make a new year’s resolution, then you are thinking of the past, and want to change the future. This is good! Some people avoid resolutions to avoid failure...and perhaps they intend to accomplish some measure of change towards their resolution, but not as lofty as “a resolution” can be. Whether you find yourself on one spectrum or the other, it is always important to reflect on the past as a guide for what you wish to change in the future, because it is what compels you to act in the present time.
Dieting and exercise are the top 2 resolutions people generally make about the new year, resolutions that I advocate and promote THROUGHOUT the year and not just at a particular time of the year. Many of my patients who needed to change their dietary habits in the month of November or December wanted to do so once the holiday was over...bad idea! There is so much damage control to correct for holiday dietary wrecks that is often associated with resentment and regret for past actions.
If you find yourself in this situation, I encourage you to make a resolution...TO CHANGE YOUR PAST! Do not make past behavior follow you into the present, and make your decisions to change NOW. Realistic and sensible behavior changes take time to cultivate, and living too far in the future like making lofty resolutions might be overwhelming, and living in past regret can be depressing.The present is the only point in time you can control, and use your sense of time wisely to reflect on how you can, and should, CHANGE NOW! In short, don’t resolve to change your future, resolve to change now and change sensibly!
Dr. Adrian Pujayana has been providing drug-free solutions for health and wellness to adults, athletes, and youth since 2000 through his private practice at Family Chiropractic Center of South Pasadena, a place for strength training and nutrition based health care.
