By: Kevin Beardmore

New year’s resolutions typically are quite worthy efforts, with the most common ones ranging from saving more money, eating healthier, and losing weight. It is relatively rare, however, to hear that someone was successful. This is borne out in the statistics provided in articles you will find on the subject, with estimates of those sticking to their commitments consistently falling in the single digits, percentage-wise.

The reasons why are understandable. Changing priorities, losing motivation, and the classic “too busy” often topping the list. This is probably why a review of the definition of resolute—purposeful, determined, and unwavering—struck a somewhat dissonant chord for me. Not because the definition seemed incorrect, but those three words seemed quite distant from what a new year’s resolution, in practice, has become for the average American.

There is one proven way to stay resolute in the pursuit of your resolutions, but it requires self-reflection and analysis. This goes beyond a survey you find online, or advice given by friends and family members. If history is any guide, it may not even be the most pleasant process. The model I am thinking about is found in the Socratic dialogues passed down to us by Plato. Socrates was famous for questioning assumptions and trying to determine what one truly believes. His persistent inquiries wore his many acquaintances down and made some powerful enemies, so much so that it is arguable that it contributed to his death sentence, which he accepted more than twenty-four centuries ago.

Yet it is a process such as this that can make all the difference in a successful change. If you know what you truly want for yourself and what you believe to be true about who you are at your core, you can greatly improve your chances of seeing a change through. This can be captured in the folk wisdom about change—that you should run toward something you want, not away from what you don’t want. When a new direction aligns with what you most deeply believe about who you are, even if that belief is still unproven or unrealized, you are much more likely to succeed.

If you are feeling resolute about making a change in your life, there are exceptional opportunities available at Southeast New Mexico College. Two that immediately come to mind are made possible through funding from the state that became available due to the efforts of our Representative Cathrynn Brown, who spearheaded funding for in-demand workforce certificates. We are preparing to offer new classes leading to certification in two key areas: CDL and Radiation Control Technology. Both are non-credit programs, so they are not tied to the traditional time frames or tuition and aid structures of degree programs. State funding is available to pay the entire course fee for Eddy County residents for a limited time, a saving of hundreds of dollars. You can e-mail workforce@senmc.edu to learn more.

In addition, there are numerous other possibilities. We have a variety of community education courses (senmc.edu/communityeducation) including podcasting, graphic design, home organization, foreign languages, fitness, and kid’s camps. And if you are ready to pursue a degree, now is a great time to begin planning ahead for summer or fall courses.

While our advisors can’t promise a full Socratic inquiry, we can help you find your direction, one that aligns with your inner compass. If you are resolute about a new path, stop by. We are ready to walk with you as you embark on your journey.

Kevin Beardmore, Ed.D., is the President of Southeast New Mexico College. He may be reached at kbeardmore@senmc.edu or 575.234.9211.