I’m sure this is just one of the zillions of blogs about resolutions, intentions and ‘word for the year’ posts you’ll see this week, but read on – this one is different, I promise.

I’m 68 years on the planet, so I’ve made a bunch of resolutions. Mostly revolve around weight. But guess what? I’ve still got what I started with, along with a shit-ton of tax, shipping and handling.

I’ve done the ‘word for the year’ thing, too. If you’d asked me what my ‘word’ was in March, I couldn’t have told you.

Why? Because intentions are like posting a ribbon supporting a cause on Facebook…if that’s all you do, no one is better off. It takes at least 90 days of concentrated work to change a habit, and even so, those little buggers will creep back in if you take your eyes off them for ten minutes.

I have a radical idea you can try instead.

Give yourself credit. 

Stop for a few minutes a day and think of how far you’ve come.

How hard you’ve worked. How much better you are. What you did right.

Give yourself a pat on the back.

Glitter toss is optional.

Sounds silly, I know. But I tested my hypothesis:  I did this for thirty days, and I liked myself more. I didn’t dread the future so much. I felt like I could take on more. And when shitty days happened (as they do), I felt better equipped to deal with it.

This world gives attaboys like a miser donates to charity. If you’re waiting for them, you’re going to be disappointed. So try giving them to you yourself.

Doesn’t cost a thing, and no one has to know you’re doing it. What do you have to lose? A resolution that feels good, not one to look back on and hate yourself for?

It’s possible, believe me.

And yes, I’m still fat, but I’m happier with myself.

And isn’t that the ultimate goal?