Staying the course…when resolutions count

This year I resolved to take up golf. That was on the 1st. On the 2nd I broke my arm. Wow, I hear you thinking. What exhilarating activity was I undertaking – mountain biking? Skydiving? Entertaining my children with clever antics on my rib stick? Sorry to disappoint on all accounts. Nobody seems entirely satisfied (especially those under 10) at my resigned response to his or her enquiry about my plaster. No doubt about it, slipping in the bath is a nanna’s injury.

Do you realize how much you need your left hand? Tying up your hair? Nah. Doing up your bra? Negative. Driving? Too dangerous. Chopping veggies? Folding laundry? Attending yoga classes? No, nix and negativo. Typing this? Challenging! (Whose idea was it to put the exclamation mark there?)

You get my point. My resolve to don plaid shorts and find the best looking pro around have been severely hampered. Only for 6 weeks I know – luckily my pesky (but very important for rotation!) ulna, should heal in 3 or so more weeks. This enormous, heavy, over the elbow cast will be cut away, revealing what many in the know have helpfully informed me will be a flaking emaciated appendage. A further 6 weeks of “taking it easy” (doctor’s orders) and, back in action.

What then? I’m concerned my enthusiasm of taking on Karrie Webb will have wasted away with my left limb. Which leads me to question: how robust is our resolve when we hit a hurdle? Ok, not exactly essential for picking up a new pastime, but what about more critical resolutions, like quitting smoking, or losing weight. Or paying off your debt and starting a savings plan? (we had to get here eventually!)

Although striving for financial wellbeing is more than a resolution but rather a philosophy towards peace of mind, it can be carved up into many smaller, measurable steps. And there are people who can help – our accountant, partner, a financially literate friend.

The key about taking intention to practice and ultimately to habit, is accepting that yes, we’re human. We will splurge on occasion and run our credit card hot sometimes. If we get the support of our close friends and family in our endeavour – they will give us a gentle nudge or guiding hand when we stray from our path.

There are no guarantees but, with both our health and wealth, the efforts we make now are likely to be rewarded many times over in years to come.

We should all resolve to strengthen our resolve. If the outcome is important to us, obstacles should not deter our quest. So if anyone has the number of a sexy golf pro, please let me know.