Today, bravery looks resolving to do only one thing. The one thing that will make today different from yesterday, the one thing that will be a contribution to you and to your life in the coming days. Yes, only ONE thing.

Some people use a marker such as New Years to stake their resolution flags in the ground. Others use birthdays. Still others, anniversaries. Milestone events are as good a moment as any to say, “Today will be different”.  The truth is, though, it’s less about naming the thing you want to do differently, it’s about actually making it happen.

I welcome the chance to think about what I want to change and state it as as a resolution for action. It is a positive, energizing process. When I know what my resolutions are, I just KNOW I will do THIS. And… this.  And… this. As you can imagine, I’m a very productive “Resolution maker.” Unfortunately, I’m also a very poor “Resolution doer.” Ah, the humanity.

To be completely honest, I’ve forgotten what my resolutions were from last year. Since they pretty much repeat from year to year, my guess is that they probably looked like these:

• To lose weight
• To improve relationships,
• To strengthen my finances
• To reduce stress
• To be a better person

Do my resolutions look at all like yours? Do you wonder why if they are so meaningful at the time, do they keep reappearing?

Perhaps there are simply too many and while worthy, too complex. While they look REALLY good on paper, they are doomed to failure, simply because the energy that drives the birthing of those resolutions quickly runs out of steam.

It’s time to renew that gym membership we’re never going to use

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After years of failed resolutions, here’s what I know:  Doing one thing really well is worth more than tackling a lot of things that eventually go by the wayside.

Assuming you know this as truth as well, perhaps we can change our thinking right now. Whatever your resolutions, I invite you to choose only ONE, considering the following:

• Which one hurts the most/will bring the most benefit?
• Which is the most doable?
• Which is the one most in our control?

Which one can you start today?  This moment?  Going back to the idea of “Resolution moments,” perhaps you can consider that while New Years, birthdays and anniversaries look like obvious opportunities to say, “The time is NOW,” perhaps every moment gives us a chance to resolve to be different.  To do differently.  To make something different happen.

You can do this, but it requires bravery.  Without all the distractions of the other things we hoped to do, choosing “One thing” is an act of bravery because it forces us to choose and commit, for real.  That kind of commitment can be scary, but exciting as well. The power that is waiting here for you is worth that kind of commitment.  And of course, the chance of actually accomplishing your resolution is its own reward.

So… what is your One Thing?  Feel free to stake your claim right here. I look forward to hearing about you and remind you that your comments will shore up others along their own paths.

Be brave. State your resolution. Choose One Thing.