Everyone makes fun of new year’s resolutions and never takes them seriously because no one ever seems to keep them.
It’s true: According to the University of Scranton, only 8% of people stick to their resolutions. That’s often because they aren’t realistic ones. They’re wishful thinking. Things people don’t actually want to do.
No wonder no one keeps them.
And yet, if you’re anything like me, resolving to not make new year’s resolutions is the first resolution you break every year.
Last year, the three resolutions I set for myself were more big picture. They were more along the lines of things I’d like to change about myself than actual resolutions. And I’d like to think I actually stuck to them. In the end, partly as a result of making those changes, 2013 was a better year than the year before it was.
2014 is going to be a big year for me, what with my turning 40 and all, so I want to make sure it’s another good one. So in the same spirit of my 2013 resolutions, I’ve come up with a list of five that I can keep, and that I hope will help me make this a good — no, a better year.
Without further ado, this year I resolve to …
- Do more things, and live a more interesting life.
- Along those same lines … make up for lost time, and end the year with less “lost time.”
- Look forward more than I look back.
- Spend less time online and more time offline, and not share everything I do offline with people online. (I’d prefer to not wind up like Joaquin Phoenix’s character in Her — especially in that scene where he and Samantha go on vacation together.)
- Not freak out about turning 40. (Admittedly, this one may be the hardest to keep, given that I was already freaking out when I turned 38.)
For the record, I’m not resolving to lose weight. I had too much fun “finding it,” so why would I want to lose it? If I should shed a few pounds this year, that would just be a bonus.
But seriously, I’m feeling good about these five resolutions. I look forward to a year from now, when I can say I bucked the trend and kept them all.
What are YOUR resolutions, or the things you’re hoping to change about yourself in 2014? Share your answer in the comments section below.
Martin's Musings 
Martin: Solid resolutions for 2014. Big picture enough to be attainable, yet specific enough to not get lost in ambivalence.
Instead of resolutions, I went the “Three Words” route for this year. http://scottwriteseverything.com/2013/12/31/three-words-2014/
Thanks, Scott. The new year is full of cliches, but I think it’s good to set goals and have positive ambitions, however you do it, whether it’s with resolutions or words. Good luck with yours, and Happy 2014!
Hey Martin….
My big resolution started October 2013. No more sugar and flour! 87 days later so far so great. My resolution is to continue to do today, what I did yesterday. For my health!
Happy New Year!!!
That’s impressive, Jeff! Not sure I could commit to something like that … but I can commit to this: I will eat the flour and sugar that you are not eating. Deal? In fact, I’ve already had both those things today, so you’re good to go. 🙂 Happy New Year to you, too, my friend! And thanks for the comment.
I knew I could count on you!!! Thanks for taking one for the team :o)