1. First the definition: Dictionary.com calls it the state of being resolved. Don't you hate it when they do that? The second definition is better: firm determination.
2. Or as William James said, "If you care enough for a result, you will most certainly attain it."
3. Most of the resolutions I made when I was younger involved DOING (and numbers): run 3 miles a day. Write 30 pages a week. Submit your work to 10 new places. Now my resolutions focus more on BEING: Be kinder. Be more aware. Be the Peace you want to see in the world.
4. I often thought I failed at my resolutions, but looking back, I see that they pointed me to the place where I am now.
5. Real progress is frequently incremental, and sometimes takes years to see.
5. Keep resolving anyway.
6. I resolved to write a novel and to sell it, and I did.
7. It might not have happened that way. Sometimes Resolution needs to marry Luck.
8. Physically, resolution is the runner's art. Sometimes it's a sprint, but more often, a marathon.
9. Resolutions before bed keep me awake. For me, resolution is morning's virtue; the evening is for gratitude.
10. If your van is stuck in the snow (see photo from flickr) all the Resolution in the world probably won't get it out of that rut. In this world, you need friends.
Next week: GENEROSITY
10 comments:
oh, patry, i love this post! the marathon part is always hard for me. i want it NOW! ;) i am a late night person, so resolutions before bed work for me just fine! by then i am tired and ready to collapse and sleep perfectly since things are resolved! i, too, believe that progress is a process and not an overnight achievement - and perseverence is the name of the game. great post, and i am "resolving" to crashing early myself, despite my owl-like behavior on most nights...we hauled some big rocks into our garden tonight and are whipped! sweet dreams.
Nice one, friend. :D
I wrote a novel and resolved to sell it, too, but I can't even get an agent to read it.
sky: I'm a night owl, too. In fact, I secretly suspect that most bloggers are. Maybe I should do a survey...Thanks for your great comments here and on Matchpoint.
R: love it when you smile.
Heather Elise: Believe it or not, you've done the hardest part. Keep sending out your query letters! Good luck.
I really love this series, Patry!
This post gives me lots of food for thought because being a sprinter and a night rather than morning person, this goes some way in explaining why I am not the most resolved person in the world.
Point 2, however, is the key, you need to care enough for a result. And that has always been my biggest challenge, knowing WHAT result exactly I want! Luck I've had and I am beginning to wonder what powers I could unleash if I were to marry it with some more resolution!
Looking forward to next week's 10 thoughts.
I love #9, Patry, especially the simple beauty of evening being for gratitude.
I look forward to a survey on bloggers' internal clocks and rhythms. I am most definitely a day person and have never been a night owl.
Writing the book was easy, but with no MFA and no writing connections, how do you get an agent to read it?
"Resolutions" mean nothing.
kerstin: Thanks so much for sharing your perspective. I tend to be more of a long distance runner, but I admire the sprinters.
robin: You've convinced me. I'm overdue for a survey.
heather: I had neither an MFA or connections to the writing community when I found my agent. A well worn copy of The Guide to Literary Agents did the trick. Stay hopeful and pro-active!
I too find that my resolutions have more to do with being. Being more patient, being a better listener... and on and on. I truly love the way you have phrased it. Your words have motivated me to keep on trying. Thanks.
I have learned that, for me, "real progress" necessarily entails steps backward. Drove me nuts until I recognized it as the spiral of growth. The ability to see the big picture lends faith to the process!
Post a Comment