Every year around this time, people start to feel nostalgic about the year that is coming to a close. We also get excited about the possibilities of the year to come. So much can happen in the span of a year, so the opportunities are endless. With this excitement comes New Year's resolutions. Everyone has made a New Year's resolution at least once in their life, and odds are, they didn't keep it. Because after a few days, the excitement of the new year fades away and we retreat back into our daily lives.
I think we need to stop lying to ourselves. We need to be honest and realize that we probably won't stick with our New Year's resolutions. Not because we don't want to, but for so many other reasons. It may be that we're too lazy or too busy, etc. But in any case, we just don't try hard enough to stick with our promises to ourselves.
I'm not saying that absolutely no one should make a New Year's resolution ever again. I mean let's face it... They are kind of fun for a few days. But maybe we should focus on making resolutions that are easier to reach. Rather than deciding to lose 50 pounds, start with one pound.
Yes, it can be easy to be drawn into making a New Year's resolution. When we're all at our New Year's Eve parties, and everyone is talking about their resolutions, it's hard not to want one. They sound so attractive until it's time to actually include them in our daily lives. And when people ask what your resolution is, what are you supposed to say if you don't have one? Nothing. You say nothing.
I've chosen not to make a New Year's resolution this year. And I probably won't make resolutions in the years to come either. It's not because I don't think I can do it, but because I know I won't want to do it after a while. And hey, why not make resolutions throughout the year rather than just on Jan. 1? We go through different stages of life which require different things. These times are when we need to make changes in our lives, and they don't always fall on the New Year.
Honesty is key. If you truly believe your goal is attainable, then go for it. Prove the world wrong and make that resolution. But if you're like me, and most other people, be honest. Don't make a promise you can't keep.
