Why should you make a New Year's resolution? Oh, trust me, I've heard all the reasons why it's pointless, with the main one being that no one really keeps a New Year's resolution. It's a grand idea that loses steam by February. Plus, people make rather unimportant resolutions, or ones that are just downright impossible to keep, and so the whole thing just seems silly by then.
But I think this year, you should make one. You don't have to tell anyone: It's none of their business, anyway. Just think about your life, the past 12 months, and what you wish you'd done. Reevaluate your life. That's why New Year's resolutions are so important, you know. It's a time to think about what you've done and what you haven't, what you've accomplished and what you've ignored. Think about all the expectations you had for this past year. Did any of them pan out? And is it good or bad that they did or didn't?
Last year, I made my first New Year's resolution in a lot of years. Somewhere along the way, I realized I fell into the crowd of people who made ridiculous promises to myself, promises I'd break by March, at the latest. One year I gave up soda (that lasted three months), another year I promised to be kinder (at some point that anger just bubbles up anyway, though). But last year, I looked at my life and knew I needed a life change.
So, my resolution (like so many others) was to go to the gym. If you don't know me, I've been at an unhealthy weight for a long time, and I used to ignore it. Unfortunately, it's not something you can particularly ignore, especially when it starts to cause health problems. So, last year, on Dec. 31, I looked at myself in the mirror and said: Enough. This year will be different.
So, a week into the new year, I joined a gym. And I went. Consistently. All year. I recommitted myself to Weight Watchers over the summer. At this very moment, I've lost 35 pounds, my blood pressure is no longer scary high, and I actually almost enjoy working out (almost). So hey, for the first time, I actually kept a New Year's resolution, and it really worked out for me.
Think about your past year. Any regrets? Things you wish you'd done? Maybe you do need to give up something. Maybe you need to get healthier, like me. Maybe you just need to learn how to love yourself a little better (we've all been there, you know). Your resolution can be anything. You don't have to fall into the fad of making some ridiculous promise you know you can't keep. Be realistic. Be honest. Evaluate your last year and decide on what needs to be different, and make a promise to yourself to try and change whatever it is that needs to be changed.
Resolutions are for you. Think about it this year, write it down somewhere, and try to stick through it. You have 365 days to make your change. Good luck!
