All resolutions are seeds of personal revolutions.

Some of the seeds from resolutions made during these early days of 2010 will be taken to heart. Most, unfortunately, will not.

One resolution heard often this time of year is: “I’ve got to go on a diet and lose 10-15 pounds.”

Yes, we have all heard such resolutions. And, haven’t most of us made them, too?

The challenge confronting all of us who dare make such resolutions is that almost all of them are self-focused. Especially those resolutions made during the holidays.

Yet, here is the hard reality, the basic truths, about all resolutions:

Resolutions that do not originate in or are not welcomed into one’s heart are not likely to be planted. And, resolutions said to have been planted or appear to be present either never take root or, in short order, will wilt due to lack of essential care. At best, in these instances, we can reasonably be certain that such resolutions have been, or will be left to die on the vine.

Resolutions taken to heart will be acted upon; the seed will be planted with action. With ongoing specific care and personal attention, the resolution takes root.

When an individual’s level of personal resolve takes root and grows strong, a personal revolution is under way. With persistent commitment, the goal objective of the original resolution can be achieved.

In other words, the resolution we hear so often this time of year: “I’ve got to go on a diet and lose 10-15 pounds” becomes the declaration: “I’ve lost 16 pounds.” And, with continued personal attention, eventually gives rise to: “And, I’ve kept it off.”

Now, imagine America’s New Years Resolutions. What should they be?

What is needed to refresh, reinvigorate, indeed replant, the seeds originally provided by our country’s founders?

What do you believe we citizens need take to heart?

What is necessary to replant each of America’s resolutions?

What does each individual citizen need to do immediately and, in an ongoing basis, to ensure that we do not permit our freedoms to die on the vine or wilt?

What can be done to immediately start the turnaround and restore the proper role and limits on government at all levels?

Let’s lose 15 pounds of government bloat overnight by immediately planting the following resolution actions to freeze, cancel, reduce:

•2010 budgets for every level of government at fiscal year-end 2009 levels respectively.

•All mandates from any level of government or statuary authority.

•Hiring by any level of government (includes NGOs receiving any government funding).

•Freeze or cancel all legislation passed during calendar year 2009.

•Reduce taxes for all persons and entities by cutting published 2009 tax rates by 20 percent; set those lowered rates as caps through 2014, subject only to further reductions along the way.

•Cancel the Alternative Minimum Tax immediately.

There’s more but you get the idea.

Resolutions, indeed, are seeds of personal revolution.

While many of us can and perhaps should resolve to lose 15 pounds, it’s becoming increasingly apparent more and more individuals have begun to make resolutions for our country. And, losing government bloat is just one resolution whose time has come.

As with our country’s founders, when the personal resolve of today’s American citizens takes root and grows strong, it will sprout out beyond their private thoughts.

That’s when the seeds of resolution take to the wind and spread.

Richard Olivastro is president of Olivastro Communications, a professional member of the National Speakers Association and founder of Citizens For Change. He can be reached at Rich@Olivastro.NET or 877.RichSpeaks.