A few years back I was reading David McCullough’s fantastic biography of John Adams (amazon link) and was struck by Adams’ obsessive note taking and commitment to self-awareness. On more than one occasion, when Adams came to a decision about some personal aspect of his life he would record that decision in his journal by writing:

“RESOLVED: ______________________________”

To resolve is arrive at a firm decision about something. It’s from the Latin word meaning to “untie.” When we resolve something, it means that we’ve unlocked its constituent parts and arrived at the most clear solution to a problem. More than that, though, it means that we’re making a personal commitment to that solution.

I’ve since begun following Adams’ example by creating resolutions of my own. I’m careful not to commit prematurely to any principle, because breaking commitments with ourselves is often more damaging than never making them. But I’ve found that - for very important things - it can be helpful to “sign on the dotted line” and put my personal integrity behind it.

For example, I make personal resolutions in the areas of time, energy, stimulus, focus and relationships as a way to keep my practices in those areas alive and meaningful. I make commitments with time limits - typically by the quarter - so that I have an “out” if those commitments are no longer relevant.

It may not be helpful for you, but I’ve found that simply recording moments of clarity - resolutions - helps me track my thinking and set rails for the upcoming season.

Just a thought: is there something in your life that you need to resolve?