Usually, New Year’s resolutions are made to be broken. True, I start with good intentions, but it’s the follow through that kills me. If I can stick to my resolutions for long enough, they become habits. At that point I no longer have to think about them, they become part of my behavior. And that seems to be the key. As Mr. Matt frequently observes, “It’s easier to act your way into a new way of thinking than it is to think your way into a new way of acting.”
My brain is telling me, “I’m tired,” or “I’ll do it tomorrow.” But I have learned to ignore that little voice and just act. My brain only wants what’s best for me but sometimes it is like an overprotective parent. Part of my brain wants me to eat as much as I can because it is afraid that tomorrow’s hunt will not be successful. A more sophisticated and developed part of my brain knows that there is food in the refrigerator. The answer lies somewhere in between.
My actions are sometimes outside the comfort zone, the zone where the most familiar is the most comforting. I can’t afford to languish in the most familiar. My actions risk discomfort, mistakes are made and my well-being is temporarily threatened. But I am growing and keeping the “choshim” (beginner’s mind). Actions speak louder than words.