The Russian billionaire Mikhail Khodorkovsky came to two major philosophical-spiritual realizations during his ten years in prison, as reported in the NY Times a few days ago. One of them is very relevant on this New Year's Day when many of us make resolutions. Khodorkovsky said "I think the Russian problem is not just the president as a person,..., the problem is that our citizens...don't understand that their fate, they have to be responsible for it themselves. They are happy to delegate it..." This is a life changing realization for everyone who wakes up to this enormous and beautiful responsibility, because that is what it is. We can't wait for Prince Charming to show up at the doorstep with a million dollars. We have to show intent, move ourselves in the direction of where we want to go, and actually do it. It is work, it takes courage jumping over your own shadow, it means taking risks, and it may be uncomfortable at times. But it is rewarding and it works!
No diet pill or new fangled miracle diet will take your pounds off for you if you are not willing to pull through with it. Complaining about the government and not voting or taking action in your own small way is delegating "we the people" to some abstract politician or entity, as Khodorkovsky pointed out.
With every New Year's resolution you need a solid action plan that comes from the heart; think business plan for whatever you are striving to achieve, whether it is losing weight, making more money, moving to a warmer climate, leading a more balanced life, or whatever else. Let's toast to intent and courage, because they are what make things happen!