The Re- in "Resolution"

Re-energize, re-imagine, re-animate. All words that bring to mind repetition. Digging way back into my High School Latin here: Re-, meaning again or back/backward, to indicate a reverse motion. Then we have "resolution." These are things so many of us make each January 1st. We resolve to go to the gym more often. This is the solution to those extra 15 pounds we put on last year. So resolutions seem to look forward, with hope, not backward. What's the deal then? Am I mixing my prefixes up? On closer examination, however, the prefix doesn't actually contradict. In making resolutions we resolve to redo those actions (or inactions) of the previous year that did not serve us. We will be more fit, more productive, better. A look back so we can move forward. Let's not feel defeated if last year's resolutions "failed." Statistically, most do and there are plenty of people talking about how to not "fail." I'll link to some interesting perspectives shortly. I'd rather not think about last year's resolutions as failing but as providing me with data so I can improve upon this year's resolutions. And if this year's resolutions fail, I will learn still more. It's exciting, really! Here's to moving forward by looking backward. Now that's something to which I can truely toast!

The New York Times suggests that we focus, not on our resolution failures, but rather on making the correct (for us) resolutions in the first place.

Newsweek agrees and adds that making sure your resolutions are focused and even fun is important too.

Entrepreneur does away with resolutions all together and recommends focusing on just one habit change. And don't get discouraged if it doesn't seem to be sticking by the spring thaw. Old habits take on average 66 days to break and new ones, even longer to make.