Did you know that “being a nicer person,” and “learning something new,” are some of the top resolutions for the new year. Alongside the obvious “lose weight,” and “save money,” all resolutions seem to involve some sort of self improvement. Each year rolls out “the list,” and each year the list slowly becomes a memory. Resolutions are always an important role in day to day life. Distractions pull us away from reaching the state of accomplishment in resolving our issues.

A few years back I set a resolution to be less stressed and more easy going in life. Over time, the resolution evolved to become, “be happy by helping others.” This led to less stress, a happier outlook on my day, and most importantly my happiness. I set out to find a way to make people smile. I discovered that I can change the world by just changing one frown a day. This had a positive impact on my everyday life.

Just one year ago, I wrote a column that said resolutions were not positive. I still believe that to an extent. My mindset has not changed. By setting a resolution, a person is looking to resolve a problem. There is still negative language. I do believe that wording is important to reaching goals. In turn, I am using the term “resolution” only as a common word. Even though I dislike resolutions, I use goal setting regularly.

Positive thoughts lead to positive actions. Keeping things on the right track while avoiding as much negativity as possible and reversing negative thoughts by finding the proverbial silver lining has led me to a path where my goals are being met. Every aspect of life began by switching language. By finding a better way of describing issues to yourself, is the key that will take the thought process through a positive sequence that will end in success. If one takes the negative road the language is set up for failure.

This is not a task that can easily be done. It takes reprogramming, and learning a new inner dialogue. Each person is different and every situation is unique. Once your puzzle is coming together and you learn how to flip the bad to good within your situation, life becomes happier and goals are reached faster.

Resolve nothing. Reach your goals instead.