So did you make any New Year’s resolutions this year? Do you make them regularly? Did you at one time, but stop, because you never seem to follow through on them?
That’s what I did. Or, more to the point, didn’t do. For a lot of years. When I was younger, I’d make lists:
- Lose weight
- Dress better
- Manage my money
- Not fall in love with every gir…hey, how ya doin’?
And the like. After a while I stopped because they were vague goals and easily forgotten. And also because when I said stuff like that and didn’t follow through, I felt like I wasn’t being a man of my word.
So to prevent that happening, I pretty much didn’t give my word on anything. At least, anything that might take some effort.
That’s why it was so difficult for me to talk about my decision to ride my bike up Mt. Washingon. And also why it was so important–not only to talk about it, but to keep talking about it. Because I knew if I didn’t mention it, I would back away from it, ignore it, pretend I never said anything about it and hope no one ever mentioned it.
“Hey Brian, weren’t you planning on riding your bike up some mountain?”
“Yeah. I was just being silly. Anyone want this last jelly donut?”
Actually, that’s not what would have happened. Most likely, I would have denied I ever said it. And I would have swiped the last donut when no one was looking.
I didn’t want to be that guy anymore. I wanted to be a man of my word. I still do. So I knew I would have to commit to the goal, talk about the goal, and work toward the goal. Starting this blog was a big part of all of that. Even though I let it go dark when I got close to the goal, it was invaluable at the early part of the process. And it’s also why I’m starting it up again. I’ve got another goal, and I’m starting to work towards it. And, as always, if I don’t talk about the goal, I won’t work towards it.
Another thing I did is I got help. From a lot of places. I got the help because I asked for it. Funny how that works. I got bike advice from a bike shop, and I got head advice from a head shop.
Sorry. That joke was a bit too easy. Actually, I got it from a counselor. And also from a program of recovery. I know I’ve mentioned it before, and I’ll continue to do so. If you think you might need help, you probably do. Seek it out. Ask for it.
It’s amazing what you can get in this life if you just ask for it.
