Keeping Resolutions...for
the new years or any other time of the year...
by Roy Kim. rkim@changework.com
Copyright 2000 by Roy Kim.
Keeping Resolutions...for the new years or any other time of the year...:
Many of us have made new years resolutions.
Often they are a list of things we wish to accomplish in the new
year.
The list may go something like...
Stop procrastinating on tasks.
Lose weight.
Stop smoking.
Meet new people.
Eat healthier food.
Exercise more.
Etc.
You may have some of these items on your list.
However, when you made new years resolutions, how often do
you find yourself breaking them in days, weeks or months within
the first of the year?
If your like most people, you had the experience of breaking your
resolution at some point and then starting up on your habit with
a vengence.
In this article, we'll examine and show you how to make resolutions (New years or otherwise) that you CAN keep.
What is a resolution?
Before we can discuss how to make a resolution that you can keep,
we must know what it is.
Simply put: A resolution is an oath that someone takes.
This is a statement of belief that you make either by yourself
or in front of other people which compels you to action.
Here is an example of an oath:
The Oath By Hippocrates
Translated by Francis Adams
I SWEAR by Apollo the physician, and Aesculapius, and Health, and All-heal, and all the gods and goddesses, that, according to my ability and judgment, I will keep this Oath and this stipulation- to reckon him who taught me this Art equally dear to me as my parents, to share my substance with him, and relieve his necessities if required; to look upon his offspring in the same footing as my own brothers, and to teach them this art, if they shall wish to learn it, without fee or stipulation; and that by precept, lecture, and every other mode of instruction, I will impart a knowledge of the Art to my own sons, and those of my teachers, and to disciples bound by a stipulation and oath according to the law of medicine, but to none others. I will follow that system of regimen which, according to my ability and judgment, I consider for the benefit of my patients, and abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous. I will give no deadly medicine to any one if asked, nor suggest any such counsel; and in like manner I will not give to a woman a pessary to produce abortion. With purity and with holiness I will pass my life and practice my Art. I will not cut persons laboring under the stone, but will leave this to be done by men who are practitioners of this work. Into whatever houses I enter, I will go into them for the benefit of the sick, and will abstain from every voluntary act of mischief and corruption; and, further from the seduction of females or males, of freemen and slaves. Whatever, in connection with my professional practice or not, in connection with it, I see or hear, in the life of men, which ought not to be spoken of abroad, I will not divulge, as reckoning that all such should be kept secret. While I continue to keep this Oath unviolated, may it be granted to me to enjoy life and the practice of the art, respected by all men, in all times! But should I trespass and violate this Oath, may the reverse be my lot!
What is essential for an effective oath?
An oath will have the following elements in them:
They are specific statements with a broad ranging purpose.
They are statements of beliefs.
There is body physiology involved.
They are made in public.
There is accountability and consequenses (implied) for keeping
or breaking an oath.
Further, the most effective oaths are VERY SIMPLE.
Let's examine the hypocratic oath:
They are specific statements with a broad ranging purpose:
The general purpose of the Hypocratic oath is that the practitioner
will help other people using the healing arts. The specific statements
on how to fufill the purpose are things like -
Teach other people the art of healing (sons, anyone who wishes
to practice).
Not to do things that are mischivious or delterious.
Not to give deadly medicine or counsel people how to do this.
They are statements of beliefs:
Beliefs reflected here are assumed - the santicty of life, respecting
privacy of individuals, to pass on the healing arts to others,
keeping the oath will result in a long and prosperous life.
There is body physiology involved:
When the oath was given, it was done in a standing, upright position,
probably with the person raising their hand before a witness.
They are made in public:
Often this oath was administered before witnesses and other practioners
of the healing arts.
There is accountability and consequenses (implied) for keeping
or breaking an oath:
"While I continue to keep this Oath unviolated, may it be
granted to me to enjoy life and the practice of the art, respected
by all men, in all times! But should I trespass and violate this
Oath, may the reverse be my lot!" These are the rewards
and consequenses of the oath.
In our next article, we will cover how to create an effective oath.
For more information, send e-mail to info@changework.com