What are Your New Year’s Resolutions?

Don’t answer too quickly, studies show well-thought-out goals are more likely to be fulfilled than reactive goals (i.e “I look fat - I’m going to lose fifty pounds”). How else can you insure you stick to your resolutions? I’ll talk about that in this post, as well as offer some ideas. On the first I’ll post my resolutions for 2006 (if I can make it to a computer).

The tradition of the New Year's Resolutions goes all the way back to 153 B.C. Janus, a mythical king of early Rome was placed at the head of the calendar. With two faces, Janus could look back on past events and forward to the future. Janus became the ancient symbol for resolutions and many Romans looked for forgiveness from their enemies and also exchanged gifts before the beginning of each year.

The press often gives the impression that people rarely follow through on their resolutions, however, according to a University of Washington survey, 63 percent of the people questioned were still keeping their number one New Year's resolution after two months. "The keys to making a successful resolution are a person's confidence that he or she can make the behavior change and the commitment to making that change," says the survey author. In addition, the study indicates that "resolutions are a process, not a one-time effort that offer people a chance to create new habits.

Recruit support. Talk about your goals with friends, family and coworkers at the water cooler. When you voice your resolutions you are making a verbal commitment of record, more importantly, others may share that they have a similar goal. Offer to team up with them to successfully fullfil your resolution, you will be strengthening a relationship while you pursue your goal.

Utilize "43 Things." 43 Things is all about deciding what you want to do, and helping you do it. What could be more wonderful than that? Start building your list, find out how others have done what you want to do, connect with others that want to do it (and support each other), and more! Link

Some of the more common resolutions are:
• Lose Weight
• Save Money
• Get a Better Job
• Get Fit
• Eat Right
• Get a Better Education
• Drink Less Alcohol
• Quit Smoking Now
• Reduce Stress Overall

Consider picking resolutions that go beyond yourself. It’s great that you are going to get in better shape, or stop smoking, or spend less time on the internet (but don’t stop just yet! ;)) Consider resolutions that go beyond your needs and desires. Resolve to consume less (yes this will help your finances too while you are reducing forest destruction, global warming, etc.), or drive yes (and yes, you will get in better shape, and spend less on gas and maintenance as you ride your bike, walk, and get to know your fellow commuters on the bus or in the carpool). Make a commitment to volunteer for an organization doing good(ACLU, Nature Conservancy, Amnesty International, Greenpeace, etc.) many have local chapters that you can become active in. Join a group protesting the war, fighting child labor, removing land-mines, or protecting local forrest or natural area.