…is hard for most people.

People resolve to do things because they are not satisfied with their current habits, or because they feel that they should.

I encourage people to do things because they want to, not because they should. Desire is a powerful incentive.  Desire, however, is a short-lived incentive.  We change our minds constantly.

So this year’s resolution, contrary to last year’s resolution, which was “to stop making resolutions,” goes as follows:

Learn to ask myself seriously, “What do I really want?” and to respond to myself with honesty.  Learn to appraise my desires and sort out conflicting wants.

This question carries a lot of power.  Sometimes we don’t know what we want, that is, in the grand scheme of things.  But most of the time, we know what we want moment to moment–so it’s a nice place to start.

Do I want that doughnut?  Well, yes.  it’s yummy.

Do I really want it?  No, because I will feel guilty.  It conflicts with my other wants, which is to clean up my diet, make smarter nutrition choices, etc.

Honest appraisal of desires.  Every day.  Don’t click off.