The proponents of the power of words and their influence on our mind, will agree that ‘words’ make a huge difference as to how we condition ourselves to achieve something in life. The word ‘Resolve’ and ‘Resolution’ becomes a craze in the days around the New Year & social media and brands are abuzz with all things related. And with the readymade themes on social media, it seems half of the world’s population on the planet are grappling with happiness issues or relationship issues or food issues.

It’s like the ‘same-as-above’ attitude.






It seems that the word ‘Resolve’ has an inherent drawback and it means we are re-solving something which we wanted to fix but did not do it the right way. And every year we try to find some other way to solve it.

Hence every year we just re-(solve) what we planned year after year. So statistics apart, we all know that most of the resolutions fizzle out within a few days and the enthusiasm with which we brought our new diaries and the new resolution apps which we downloaded remain unused.

The word ‘resolve’ itself has a tone of an exertion or a struggle or a strain of some kind. It may be the weight loss issue, tempers, smoking, sleep patterns, learning a new skill and so on. A ‘resolve’ sounds like, “last year I did try to solve my weight loss issue this way, let me try a different way this year”.

Some days back, I came across an amazing statement which summarizes the dilemma of New Year resolutions: “My goal for 2020 is to accomplish the goals of 2019 which I should have done in 2018 because I made a promise in 2017 and planned in 2016”



Why most of the New Year resolutions often fail and why we are unable to work through the same day after day, month after month and year after year? What are the resistance elements which come in the way of the resolutions? And yes is there a way out to really accomplish our ‘resolutions?

The answer to all this and a way to overcome the resistance of 'new year resolutions' it seems lies in the ancient Yogic principles and the concept of ‘Sankalpa’ – a deeper resolve driven by an internalized intention and action which aims to achieve what we inherently are.



Wikipedia defines the concept of ‘Sankalpa’ (Sanskrit: सङ्कल्प) very beautifully as “an intention formed by the heart and mind - a solemn vow, determination, or will. In practical terms a Sankalpa means a one-pointed resolve to focus both psychologically and philosophically on a specific goal”.

So how do we differentiate a ‘Sankalpa’ from the commonly used term ‘Resolution’?

A Sankalpa starts from a fundamental principle that we already are who we need to be to fulfill our life’s purpose and realize the raison d'etre to be in this World. Sankalpa means that at our very core we are intrinsically perfect, good and beautiful and that there is immense energy within us to draw from to grow and evolve to our true self.

Unlike a ‘Sankalpa’, a resolution looks for external idols or heroes or tools and the outside world of mirage which makes the ‘resolution’ journey physically and mentally draining.

Example 1: Resolution: “I will not eat meat this year?”· & the Sankalpa says: “I am inherently compassionate & I respect all living beings & their right to live”.

Example 2: Resolution: “I want to quit smoking this year?” and Sankalpa says “I love my body and I want to take care of my Body.”

Example 3: Resolution: “I will not crave for unhealthy and junk food this year” and Sankalpa says: “I will nourish myself.”





So here we are. We cannot ignore the deeper conviction and determination of a 'Sankalpa'. In contrast, majority of the Resolutions sound as re-reinforcements of some negative habit and we all know that changing habits is hard. The resolution to get more organized this year, may mean that “I am undisciplined” and so on. This feeling precisely makes us hit the snooze button as soon as the alarm goes off.


So is there a process to arrive at this ‘Sankalpa’? 

Sankalpa is an inner resolve and a journey towards realizing your true you, hence the most powerful way to arrive at a Sankalpa is to ask questions to yourself and the Universe.


“What area of my life would I like to bring more awareness to”?... it’s like asking to the universe, & asking yourself as to what specific things need to happen to move you forward on your path, and where you need to direct your energy, to make progress on your larger life goals. Ask yourself what is it that you truly want from this short and precious life? What are the things that light you up and can make your heart sing?


Is there a tool to define and help you realize your Sankalpa? 

The practice of Yoga, has helped many to explore and realize their ‘Sankalpa’. The physical postures, conscious breathing, and mindful meditation, offers a path for unblocking and unlocking thus giving the seeker the physical and mental fitness to travel the journey called ‘life’.


It is well established that a quiet, settled mind-one cultivated through meditation-will best be able to hear this innermost call, and this precisely is what Yoga gives us- the courage to listen to our heart. The super successful New age Guru, Dr Deepak Chopra puts it’s so well. He says, “A yoga practice, whether it is daily, weekly, or once in a while, invites the practitioner to experience life with an open heart, an open mind, and an open spirit. When you practice opening and connecting in these ways, even for a short while, possibilities abound”.





Planting your ‘Sankalpa’ and ‘nurturing’ it every moment: Whether you still like to call it a ‘resolution’ or maybe you have graduated to understand the concept of a ‘Sankalpa’, we need to realize that both need nurturing like a seed. A seed needs water, a fertile soil and an exposure to the sunshine for further growth.


A Sankalpa thus has multiple deep dimensions. The ‘seed’ is the ‘intention’, the ‘soil’ in which this seed is planted is your ‘subconscious mind’, and the continuous watering of these intentions is your ‘affirmations’ and the ‘sunshine ’is your ‘positive thoughts’


Namaste and a very Happy New year 2021.