Resolve
To resolve a dispute is to settle it. When I find a solution to a problem I have resolved it. Interesting that the word solve is in the word resolve, as if something had to be solved again. I suppose in the case of settling disputes, it could certainly be more than the first time. Some disputes just keep popping back up, as do problems. OK then, solving or settling more than once is to demonstrate resolve
Resolve, to me, is kind of final, like a promise, like ‘I will”. So how is it that I hear some folks pair it with some kind of qualifier, like I hear ‘firm resolve’ or ‘absolute resolve’ or ‘the strongest resolve’? I wonder if the speaker is giving themselves an out or something. We hear people ‘promise’ things. Well, it is not the use of the word, it is the track record in keeping the word, whether resolve or promise
Resolve is meaning something stronger than ‘yes I will’, more of a commitment or a maybe even approaching an oath. So why use it so sparingly? “Yeah, yeah, I’ll do it” is not resolve, as if it is not a statement made from full consciousness. When I tell you of my resolve it is based on a foundation of having really thought it through. I resolve to do something based on a deeply held personal value
To resolve an issue is to find a way to blend and get things to work together in a good way. It suggests that the parties involved at least mostly agree to the proposed solution and will at least not block its progress. The ultimate is group resolve. Now we have everyone completely agreeing and supporting and fueling the progress. This is rare. So I guess that true resolve is rare. How do we get some of that?
Developing resolve is a conscious and not necessarily instant process. When I honour resolve to do something it is as good as done. To save the world may sound nice but it is not something I can resolve to do. Too big. Unrealistic. It is more useful and believable to resolve to clean my room until I can remove one empty bookcase. Resolve pairs well with realistic and committed goal. What is your resolve for next week?