May Contain Peanuts

Oh, 2009

Another new year is upon us and millions of people across the globe are making resolutions to do something different in the upcoming 365 days than they did in the past 365. The typical New Year's resolutions are all known by now: lose weight, stop smoking, do charity work, etc. These are all great goals, but most attempts crumble by January 3rd. Some have the resiliency to stick it out for a month or two, and on the rare occasion someone actually makes it to the end of the year with their eyes on the prize. More commonly though, the resolution becomes another idea swept under the rug by old routines, complacency and laziness. This is why I have resolved to no longer claim resolutions.

To be honest, I can not recall any previous resolutions I may have made, which I think only strengthens my point. This does not mean I am lacking in the aspiring goals department. I just choose to rise to action when the appropriate time calls. In other words, I do not have to wait until January 1st to change my ways. I understand this is easier said than done and is quite a lofty ideal to stick to, but it is the best way to get things done. Realize what the problem is, set a goal, and *key step here* entwine this activity into your daily routine. For me, if I don't have a planned time to do a daily activity, it usually slips through the cracks somewhere. Excuses are abundant and things change from day to day, but the clock never lies (unless it is my watch which is constantly slow... which reminds me, I need to go to the watch guy, something I planned to do last year).

This brings me to my next point, that if you need to make a resolution, make it something that is a one-time or limited affair instead of an ambitious year-long try. For example, I want to put up some shelves in my house. This is going to require a few devoted hours, but it can be done in a day and bam! my goal is accomplished, and we all know that a goal accomplished is a nice warm feeling inside. It may not match up with losing 50 pounds, but I will take an accomplishment any time I can.

In all, I can't really gripe with the people who make great resolutions, as they are at least identifying their personal problems. But January 1st is not a magical day that will get them on track to solving said problems. It is just another day, just like the other 364 over the course of the year that gives them the perfect opportunity to change. The real magic is willpower and, as mentioned above, routine. Old habits die hard, but new habits can be started just as easily. I just completed my first entry of the new year! I can feel the warmth...