On Making Resolutions

A new year. A whole clean slate in front of us. What will we write on it? Will we fill it with wishful thinking? Or whimsical ideas? Or flimsy plans? Or down-to-earth resolutions?  I don’t mean lose 50 pounds this year, but lose one pound a week by cutting out soft drinks and potato chips (or whatever your weakness is). I don’t mean walking ten miles a day, but walk one mile a day five times a week. I don’t mean praying more, but setting aside a 20 minute time slot to devote to meditation or some form of prayer that is meaningful to you.

Resolutions need to be realistic and doable. And when we fail, we can’t beat ourselves up, but begin each day with renewed determination. Our goal is to become the best possible person we can be, physically, mentally, and spiritually. If a friend’s nudge is helpful, by all means take advantage of it.

A recent survey found that only 44 percent of Americans plan to make new year’s resolutions. Twelve percent resolved to become a better person. For those uncertain about goals-setting, the survey gave 15 suggestions.  Among them were eat more fish (makes you smarter), read a book, go to bed earlier, volunteer, give up soda pop (decreases risk of dementia), make meaningful connections, stop procrastinating. Someone wrote a book called You’re Never Too Old to Reinvent Yourself. The time to begin is today!