Yes, I make New Year's resolutions as a way to seek to improve my health and happiness. Do you?
Each year I make several New Year’s resolutions. Although I fail to keep them completely, over the years I have succeeded in making some positive changes in my life that I at least partially credit to New Year's resolutions.
To cite just a few success stories: In recent years, I have rarely bitten my fingernails, partially due to a New Year's resolution several years ago; I eat a healthier diet; and I exercise more.
One thing that helps me keep New Year's resolutions is writing them down. I put a copy of my New Year’s resolutions in a daily journal I keep near my bed. As part of a morning and evening devotional I seek to take a few minutes to read/meditate prayerfully over at least one of my resolutions.
Also, I usually write my New Year's resolutions using words like "seek to improve" rather than seek to totally do something. This makes attaining success easier. It also helps me when I list specific steps to undertake to implement my resolutions.
For example, I might seek to “exercise regularly” by walking or bicycling at a particular time on most days. By writing “regularly” it gives me some leeway. If I skip exercising one day, I can still claim to be exercising "regularly” and keeping my New Year's resolution.
Furthermore, even if I fail to keep a New Year’s resolution, I try to keep a positive attitude because:
- I can try again
- I can revise the resolution into something more easily attainable
- or I can make a totally new resolution.
And, I don’t wait for next year to do so!
Earlier this week, on Christmas Eve, I revised my New Year's resolutions for 2013 and printed them out. I sought to begin following them on Christmas Day. That way, if I break them during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day, I can recommit to my 2013 New Year's Resolutions (or revise them) for New Year’s Day.
After all, any day is a great one to resolve to improve, to begin living one’s life in a better way! Any day is a great day to make positive changes in one’s life!
Happy New Year!
NOTE: This article is adapted from previous writings of the author.