So, it's a few days into the New Year. How are you doing on your New Year's resolutions? I'm doing pretty well on mine. Mainly because I haven't yet made any.
Though it's not to say I haven't considered it. In fact, thinking about resolutions—examining the potential outcomes I want out of the remaining 361 days of 2013—has consumed much of my time in the last week. (I know, it's the 4th already. What can I say? I'm a procrastinator. Perhaps one more resolution to add to the mix.)
What will make this year different, more fulfilling and happier? What healthy habits should I pick up? How do I advance my career? Should I write a book? Volunteer at a nursing home? Stop eating gluten products? Cure cancer?
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But the whole thing's already sent me into a swamp of depression, and I haven't even committed to making any changes. Am I alone? Not at all. Researchers say most people fail at their resolutions—and very quickly. All those failed resolutions result in people's lowered self-esteem, sadness and depression. And, of course, a lot of empty elliptical machines at the gym.
So why do we keep insisting on making them? Of course, New Year's resolutions are as traditional as champagne on New Year's Eve, with perhaps as much of a hangover. People love the idea of a clean slate and starting new (Then again, how many people do you know who get excited about "clean slate" Mondays? Um, exactly.)
I'm all for self-improvement, but a whole year of it? Seems like a heavy contract. The trick to a good resolution is a little at a time. A blanket statement about losing 25 pounds usually won't have a good result. But making a small change—say cutting out a daily soda or dessert—can.
Similarly, every year about half of smokers say they'll quit come Jan. 1, and only a handful actually do. One of the problems is that they decidely make the resolution Dec. 31, and think that that will stick, without any planning or preparation other than saying it outloud.
Changes are better when they come gradually, not all at once.
So out of all the people you know, I'll be the one not becoming a better person this month. Instead I'll plan accordingly and probably start to become a better person in February or so. Yea, February sounds good.
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