Every year on January 1st, millions of people declare that they have made a resolution and THIS year will be the year that they stick with it. But by February, a large percentage of those people have abandoned all hope and I'm sure that come December 31st, I'm sure most people have lost sight of their resolution all together. So cheers to that!
While it is so tempting to fall into the trap of bettering yourself because this year is a new year, I avoid these resolutions at all costs because I have a good idea as to why so many fail at committing themselves to their goals.
What do all New Year's resolutions have in common? It's simple: they all begin on the same day, regardless of the person and what may be happening in that person's life. Therefore, it's incredibly easy to give up because it's hard to avoid bad habits when stressful events are happening in your life. It's hard to avoid family arguments when they are coming to visit for two weeks next month and two weeks can be an awfully long time with all of those clashing personalities under one roof.
Here's a simple thought: how can you commit to doing something if you aren't ready? How can you try to make yourself better when you cannot concentrate on what is wrong? For most people, that's a simple answer. You can't. But people make these resolutions, thinking "Hey, it's okay if I fail because so will most others" and "There is always next year."
My advice to you if you would like to make a change in your life: Do it when you are ready to do it. Do it when you know you will be able to commit to it for longer than a week. Don't let society pressure you into trying something when you know you will fail. Prepare yourself for whatever you would like to change in your life. It may still be difficult but if you know you are ready and you know you are doing at your own time and pace, the pieces will fall into place.
You make your goals. You make your time frames. You decide when to start. You decide if you stop. You decide if you're ready.
You decide if you are a success.
