Why I dread New Year's Resolutions

I find New Year resolution-making to be one of the most peculiar holiday rituals.

I’m sure that whoever started the tradition had good intentions – using the arrival of a new calendar year to solidify a binding personal contract towards self- improvement. In theory, it’s a very nice idea.

Only problem is, I always drop my resolutions after a couple of weeks. And so, every December 31st, a hurried list of goals (very similar to those of the previous year) is mentally drafted up during the last five seconds of the countdown, and a wave of guilt hits me harder than one of those tacky tin noisemakers.

Not a great way to start 2008.

In a world of billions of failed resolutions, how can you be sure to stick to yours? I’ve come up with some basic guidelines for resolution-making 2008:

1. Be specific. Instead of rattling off a goal cliché in three syllables or less (ex: “get fit”), focus in on what you want to accomplish, and how you’re going to go about it.
2. Be realistic. Goals take considerable effort and time to achieve. Prioritize: instead of dreaming up a whole list of them, choose only one or two. Set a realistic timeline.
3. Break it down. If you break your end goal down into several smaller (ie: manageable!) steps, committing to your resolution will be much easier.
4. Be original! Instead of the usual resolution stereotypes (which, I’ve noticed, often have to do with maintaining physical appearance) choose an aspect of your life that you truly want to enrich. We’ve all heard “I resolve to lose weight” a hundred times, but what about resolving to learn a new language, spend more time with family, or being more environmentally conscious? This year, try thinking outside of the New Year’s Box.

Feel free to post any additional tips, observations, or even your personal resolutions for 2008. And of course, don’t forget to participate in this week’s poll.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go do 100 sit-ups while flossing regularly and not drinking any more Coca Cola.  

Larissa

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