New Year's Resolutions: Discipline vs. Devotion

It's that time of year again. People everywhere are making New Year's Resolutions. I plan to take a different approach in 2010: devotion instead of discipline, as recommended by Bonnie Gintis, DO.

We're all familiar with the discipline approach. In my case, I have tried to regulate my behavior by setting arbitrary rules for myself. Again and again, I embarked on new exercise programs because I thought I should. When I didn’t stick with a new regimen or integrate classes into my routine, I felt guilty and beat myself up for my lack of willpower. As can be expected, behavior modification -- the "carrot and stick" approach -- did not work for me.

Now consider the alternative: devotion to caring for oneself. Gintis (2007) suggests choosing movement based on an “appreciation and desire for health and pleasure” – out of joy instead of out of punishment. Just reading her instruction “to be movement and not simply do exercise” makes me feel lighter and less burdened. This actually sounds fun. I am more likely to be active if it’s fun. Rewards and incentives are forms of external motivation. Real change comes from within. The challenge for me is to let go of arbitrary goals and agendas and to embrace movement experiences with “open-ended hope” (pp. 140-143).

So what will devotion look like for me? Here are some thoughts:
1. Begin each day with gratitude. Count my blessings.
2. Center myself each morning through meditation.
3. Connect with friends and loved ones.
4. Be present. Feel and express emotions.
5. Have fun every day.
6. Move more.
7. Get plenty of rest.

Happy New Year!

Reference
Gintis, B. (2007). Engaging the movement of life: exploring health and embodiment through osteopathy and continuum. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books.