"Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man." -Benjamin Franklin
The clock tolling midnight on January 1st is a significant date for many people around the world, representing a token of anticipation and excitement for the coming 365 days. For many people, the idea of New Year's resolutions is almost laughable. There are always the jokes that most people can't and won't hold true to their resolutions and keep themselves accountable. There are the arguments that state we shouldn't need a new calendar year to create change in our own lives. Both of these points are valid and plausible responses. But, why is it that we take such offense to the idea of resolutions and immediately scoff at them?
For a lot of people, the changing of calendar years doesn't signify an end, but a new beginning. It's the promise of a year full of positivity and enjoyment that they may not have found in years' past. They may hope for personal growth, character development, honing new skills and crafts or simply trying to live a more fulfilling and satisfying life.
The problem with the Debby Downers of New Year's resolutions is that they equate someone's lack of success in their endeavors as failures. We're so programmed to see things in such a concrete, black and white way. The fact of the matter is, any decision to attempt to improve your life for the better is a brave and noble one. Change is difficult for most, and it doesn't come without sacrifice in some form or another. With change comes risks, and with risks, often failures.
The real failure in New Year's resolutions is to accept defeat wholeheartedly once things don't go our way. Whether it's learning a new language, trying to lose weight, meeting new people or some other goal in mind, there will be road bumps. There will be challenges and adversities. But all of these are testing not only our will to succeed, but the essence of our characters. Failure is inevitable. At some point, we all will lose. It's how we accept these losses, with grace and with grit, that forms our integrity. Our conviction. Our passion and our drive.
New Year's resolutions may be cliched. They may be pointless, monotonous attempts at reinventing ourselves in the next 365 days. One year may not be life changing for some people. Yet, for others, it can be extraordinary.
The next time someone announces their resolutions, take a moment to think before you scoff about why it's such a laughable endeavor. There's no better time than now to get started. So, let's begin.
The rest is still unwritten.
