New Years – a time for resolve

Break out the hats, the noisemakers and the confetti. 

Happy New Year – almost.

Isn’t it delightful that once a year every year we have the opportunity to start off with a clean slate, so to speak?

Our bad habits and annoying mannerisms that drive us, as well as others, to the brink of madness are subject to be dealt with decisively and completely.

Because…on January 1, we have a choice to make changes in our lives — or not.

Some call it New Years resolutions; others call it a formula for failure.

Not surprising, the most common New Years resolution is to lose weight.  After six weeks of fattening the calf, it’s time for cold turkey.  And not the eatable kind either.

We all vow each year to try harder to do the things we know we should, such as getting in better shape — physically, financially and emotionally. According to Uncle Sam, the top 10 New Years resolutions in order of popularity are: Lose weight; pay off debt; save money; get a better job; get fit; eat right; get a better education; drink less alcohol; quit smoking now; reduce stress overall; reduce stress on-the-job; take a trip; and volunteer to help others.

Sounds good.

Too good to be true.

And we know all too well that most New Years resolutions aren’t going to be kept.  We start out with high hopes that are soon to be dashed. Because, as the couch doctors will tell us, behavior changes can be quite difficult. 

Hello…

We have worked long and hard to ingrain these habits in our psyche and into our daily lives.  And now we are not only going to slam on the brakes, but make a 180-degree turn?

But what if those of us making an array of annual resolutions opted instead to make just one resolution instead of an entire list of wrongs to be righted on the road to becoming new and improved individuals?

By breaking down a long and intimidating list of resolutions over a period of time, the entire lot seems more manageable. Let’s jettison the involved and wearisome effort of solving a host of resolutions instantly.

Wouldn’t it be more prudent to take baby steps, one at a time?

That’s right – only one resolution this year.

And if that works out, maybe another one next year.

If the choice is between changing a multitude of bad habits or a single failing, I opt for the easy way out.  And in this case, as opposed to most of the terribly serious life issues, the easier way out may be the one most likely to succeed.

One again, my resolution for everyone else is to have a safe, healthy and guilt-free New Year.  Throw out the whole enchilada of resolutions such as losing weight, quitting smoking, sticking to a budget, saving money, finding a better job, becoming more organized, exercising more, being more patient, eating better, drinking less.

Select one, focus on it and forget the rest.
This year I’ll work on getting fit. 

The same resolution as last year …  and the year before.

Some resolutions take longer than others.

And next year I’ll work on something else, like not participating in the post-Christmas clearance sales mania.

And the year after that I’ll start eating healthier.

And the following year, well how about spending less money?

So this year I’m going to continue working on getting fit.

And one of the best methods to get fit, as any fitness guru will tell you, is to exercise.  And once again, I’m going to exercise my prerogatives right down and into the after Christmas madness, have a cinnamon coated pretzel and spend the last dollar I have left.

Relief is at hand.  My 2010 New Years resolution is set and I’m good to go.

Best wishes to all for a healthy and happy New Year.