Each year around this time, the debate begins.
Should people make New Year’s Resolutions or not? Will they really stick with them? Why not make “lifestyle changes” rather than resolutions they’re bound to break?
I say: Make the resolution. Why not?
Many people make a New Year’s Resolution to lose weight in the coming year. Sure, sometimes they package it differently – “I want to go to the gym at least 3 days a week” or “I want to eat healthier” – but the bottom line is, they want to lose some lbs.
Other people resolve to quit smoking (which they really shouldn’t be doing in the first place, tsk,tsk) or be smarter with their money or spend less time watching TV or volunteer more or make an effort to keep in touch with friends.
Me? I need to get organized in a major way.
So again, why not? Most people (me included) don’t just randomly decide one August afternoon to start making major life changes. Sure, some do. But not most.
There’s something about the New Year. It’s a new beginning. A clean slate. A fresh start.
I’m going to get organized. And that’s final. It’s what I resolve to do in the New Year.
What about you? What are your thoughts about New Year’s Resolutions? What is yours?
Good point, Jane. Even though people are always afraid of breaking their resolutions, you’re right that there isn’t any other time that people really stop and say to themselves that they’re going to make changes. (And why wait for that to happen anyway?) At least making one at all is a step in the right direction.
I usually break it by the next day, so I don’t usually make them anymore. I do try to make a list of things I want to accomplish, mostly household duties to get organized.
Hmmm… I always make a resolution to spend more time with loved ones/people who need me, for little things like a nice unexpected lunch or a drive to the shore or a cup of coffee… or the purchase of a sheet of stamps or a box of favorite tea or beautiful cut flowers. This may sound selfish, but I always get more from this than anyone else. I get TIME… and that is priceless.
I’ll join you on the organization. Want to join me at IKEA and load up on supplies. That’s the best part of getting organized, the shopping part. However, let me just say… I also enjoy sitting back and enjoying the cleaned up area (that is, sadly, till I trash it again……)
I try not to think of them as “resolutions”. I prefer to think of them as “goals” because a “resolution” is more like a promise… and in my mind I don’t make promises I can’t keep… and there’s almost always one “resolution” that breaks the bank so to speak.
Next year I’m all for the weight bit, the smoking bit (again), and definitely for more time for me. Yeah… it’s all about me… but I like to think improving me means I am improving the quality of life of those around me as well.
I have given up on making those years ago. I would get frustrated with myself whenever I failed to live up to them. But seriously, I think it helps some people to use the new year as a clean slate.
I don’t make resolutions. New Years Day is usually a hangover we all deserve. Literally. I think if you want change, you make it on a day of your choosing. How horrible is it that people are compelled to make these life altering decisions on a deadline?
Also, thank you Jane, for the plug on HBC.