What is it about the changing of the year that gives us some sense that we can start fresh? It's as if time's not continuous, but rather divided into chunks and opportunities for second chances. Not that there's anything wrong with that. I, too, can use a reason to begin anew each year.
I think most resolutions fail because we just don't make them specific enough. Any successes are cloaked in vagueness, as are the failures – maybe that's why we don't lay it all on the line. But here are some suggestions for turning our usual empty promises to ourselves into something real and golden ...
1. I'm going to lose weight this year.
Probably among the most common resolutions, what does it really mean? Instead, write down how many pounds or inches you want to lose. And don't forget to include how you're going to do it. For me, I'm going to do a lot of Nos. 2 and 3.
2. I'm going to exercise more.
A continuation of No. 1, it's at least part of the how. However, what are you going to do? Why not commit to a certain number of days of exercise. If that's not specific enough, I'll say I'm going to do 120,000 abdominal crunches, run 5,000 miles and lift 10,000 pounds of weight during the next year (just not all at once).
3. I'm going to eat healthier.
A more reasonable continuation of No. 1, because it's mentally easier to plan to eat more vegetables than it is likely I'll actually exercise (well, actually I already do regularly). However, it is more likely to happen if we have a game plan, a menu of sorts. This year, I plan to eat 200 servings of green beans, 40 servings of asparagus, 25 pounds of carrots and a lot less cheese. OK, you got me. I'm going to eat 50 percent less cheese in 2005 than in 2004.
4. I'm going to quit smoking.
I don't smoke, but a lot of the people I know who do would like to kick it. I've heard it's terrifically hard, and I only tongue-in-cheekingly make light of the powerful addiction. It's easy to say you'll quit, but when? Set a deadline. Whether it's tomorrow or six months from now, write it down.
5. I'm going to be nicer to people.
This is vague and hard to measure, even if I say I'm going to compliment people more, dole out more hugs and kisses, or smile more. How do you measure this? It takes an overall attitude adjustment, I think, and while it's intangible to think about, the results would be hard to hide. The vague, "I'm going to be nicer" can sometimes translate into genuine changes. Try it, I guess. Can't hurt.
6. I'm going to be better about e-mailing/writing letters/calling/blogging.
I'm so bad about some of this, getting better wouldn't be much of an improvement. The first three can directly affect a lot of people, especially ones you love. Blogging, well, affects the three or four people who read mine. Sorry folks, it can't always be a priority; really, it can't be a priority for you, either. To be specific, maybe I need a chart of some kind to track how long it's been since I corresponded with friends and family. Or maybe I just need to make it a weekly/monthly type of thing. Sounds like ...
7. I need to become more organized this year.
Ooh, I've got specifics for this one. I will balance the checkbook every month. I will show up to work each week with a plan of attack to take care of business. I won't let the silverware drawer in the kitchen implode with a mass of twist ties and plastic straws. I'll keep my garage need and tidy by buying a new workbench and storage for all my lovely tools. Becoming organized does not mean buying more stuff to hold your stuff; it starts with cutting clutter. I'm going to throw away 27 percent of my junk this year.
8. I will become better groomed this year.
I'll up those haircuts to every three weeks, trim my fingernails more often than the Cutlet's diaper is changed, fight back the unibrow over my nose, will try not to wear only comfortable clothes all the time, will shower daily and will promise to not wear the same pair of underwear two days in a row anymore.
9. I will take better care of the yardwork and house.
The gutters will be cleaned out four times a year (needs it right now because the leaves have all fallen); I'll mow once a week in the spring; I'll finally install those flower beds we've been planning around the house; I'll trim the trees and then dispose of the limbs within a week.
10. I'll be a better husband and father.
This means I'll do all the vague and specific things listed above (except for quitting the smoking I'm not doing anyhow), and more. So much more.
What's your resolution this year? Even if you never make them, what's one thing you could improve about yourself in 2005? Happy New Year!
I've got a whole lifestyle change planned: only eat sugar 2x/week or less, make significant attempts to forgive myself daily and do more things for myself, re-dedicate my life to Christ and make time for prayer every day, and start exercising again: 1x/week for 30 minutes, working up to at least 3x/week. Why start today when I can put it off until Saturday? ;)
I'm with you on the daily showers and change of underwear. That's a gift to ourselves as well as to those we love, those we hope to love, and those we don't know and never will. Three cheers for hygeine!
i plan on accomplishing all of these in 2005. including being a better father/husband.
I am gonna redo my whole back yard so that my kids can have a really cool back yard. (I'm going to get a pool to but the wife doesn't know that shhhhh!!)
I haven't yet decided....but, I'm working on it. I want a goal that will actually motivate me..and unfortunately, I haven't discovered it yet. But...I have a few more days. :)
I'm with you though...I don't want to have some stupid resolution that won't get followed or even remembered 2 weeks into the month. That's why I'm spending so much time thinking about what I really want, and what it will take to get it. :)
To find more happiness.
That's all.
:)
Yo T!
Happy New Year!
Lots of Resolutions -- some similar to yours...
- want to get more organized...
- want to get more fit, live a healthier lifestyle... (eat better, drink less, etc.) Reinstated my gym membership yesterday, so that will help...
- be an all around better sister, auntie, employee, friend...
That's about it -- by doing 1&2, 3 will come...