New Year’s resolutions

I asked you how you live out your “New Year’s resolutions”. The answers are divided between not wanting to formulate them, because they end up not filling them out; or, put some experience a certain amount of novelty.

From this approach, their realization provides feeling of accomplishment and … pridewhich can enrich a grandiose self-image; and not realizing them, feelings of guilt and shame, and a devalued self-image. Both options involve starting 2026 in a way that is not only self-referential, but also volatile.

C. Ryff instead offers a stable perspective over time. In his theoretical model of Psychological well-being of six dimensions, understands the vital purpose. It consists of feeling oriented, with an internal sense that organizes decisions and gives coherence to personal experience. It offers a “why” that allows endure difficulties and keep moving forward. It is an emotional and moral compass, not really a destination. Purpose may be oriented toward care, personal growth, professional calling, service, transcendence, creativity, or meaningful relationships.

We must then ask ourselves: And what am I living for? What matters to me deeply? What do I want to bring? What makes my life worth living? Answering these questions is very different from establishing goals (achievements that flow from the goal), objectives (specific, measurable actions), or plans (strategy and organization of those actions). With these questions you achieve overall direction and deep meaning.

If in addition, to respond to it, I position myself as a creature loved by God, I link my human destiny to the transcendent one. Saint Ignatius of Loyola facilitated this connection in the text “Principle and Foundation” at the beginning of the Spiritual exercises. It declares that we were created to “praise, revere and serve God our Lord” and thus save our souls. And that everything else should be ordered to the extent that it contributes to this end.

I wish that by 2026 we can rewrite each of ours Principle and own Foundation, and with this actualize our objective. And may it be for the greater glory of God.