Those with need to make changes in their lives often assure family and friends that they are REALLY trying to: stop drinking, stop smoking, get off drugs, lose weight, exercise more or quit texting while driving. When no corrective action occurs, they may double down by telling others they are REALLY, REALLY trying.

Those who hear the promises but see them unacted upon, for months or even years, finally stop listening.  Previously supportive comments are replaced with, “I’ll believe it when I see it.”

Left abandoned, the person who says they are REALLY trying is left with a couple of options.

Option 1: A person who says they are REALLY trying to stop using alcohol in excess continues to go to the same neighborhood pub where they tell their drinking pals of his plan to quit drinking. The drinker might even skip a few days but will soon return to the bar and the habit.

Option 2: That same person could join Alcoholics Anonymous and achieve lasting results.

Proof of REALLY trying requires meaningful action.

Personal note: My own father had problems with alcohol. He used Option 1 before finally achieving success through Option 2. He stopped really trying and finally quit.

Comment from a friend: “Trying” is a fallacy. The word doesn’t mean anything. Tell someone to try picking up a pencil. They reach for it and pick it up…..that is not trying….that is doing….trying to do something is a mind game spoken to placate others while lying to one’s self.  Do it or don’t do it.”

Response by another friend to the comment above: Your friend is partially correct, trying is a long way from doing but doing must have a beginning. Have you ever had to try repeatedly to accomplish what came easy to others only to have them belittle you for your efforts? 

What will your New Year’s Resolution be? Not easy to decide or to make it happen is it?

Be good to yourself because that means you will be good to others as well.