It’s the time of year when many make resolutions for the new year. Things we want to change or add or simply do differently. It’s an accepted time for considering new growth and improvement for the future.
New Years Resolutions are long standing traditions…
The tradition of the New Year’s Resolutions goes all the way back to 153 B.C. Janus, a mythical king of early Rome was placed at the head of the calendar. The History of New Years Resolutions – Ezine Articles
…and are considered if not acted upon by most people in the U.S. at the beginning of each year. It’s also a time to reflect on the past year and use “lessons learned” to focus our desires of a better next year. But what makes this particular time of year right for these new ventures?
I’ve been the caretaker of a beautiful potted Ficus tree for over seven years. It served as my Christmas tree one year and has been repotted to larger containers at least four times.
I’m amazed at how hardy this tree is. It’s at least four times the size it was when I purchased it. With proper food, water, light and temperature it’ll put out new growth during any season. You could say that it lives in the moment and when it sees potential and conditions for growth it takes advantage of it.
I want to be more like this tree (no, not four times my current size in seven years ;-) ). I simply want to be more aware of my own conditions and when there are opportunities for growth and/or improvement I want to make those changes in that moment.
Time’s precious and we are only here for a short while. Each moment needs be lived with full intensity and awareness.
Sun Tzu on The Art of War states that war is governed by five constant factors: (1) Moral Law; (2) Heaven; (3) Earth; (4) The Commander; (5) Method and Discipline. Roughly:
Moral Law is considered a principle of harmony, not unlike the Tao of Lao Tzu in its moral aspect.
Heaven signifies the current environment, time or seasons.
Earth signifies the current situation, distances, danger and security.
The Commander stands for virtues of wisdom, good faith, sincerely, self-respect and control.
Method and Discipline are understood to be the marshaling of forces and taking the proper actions and making the needed preparations.
These principles are prerequisites for military victory and are also critical factors on a personal level for growth and success.
We can choose our moments to change and improve without having to wait for the first of each year to kick our plan into gear.
Make today count just as much as any of those at the beginning of a year. Make a “New Day Resolution.”