Resolutions for the year? How about for each day?

By: Christina Kostic
Posted In: Opinion

Ah, the beginning of a new year. A fresh start, a clean slate and a world full of blossoming opportunities stand right outside of your front door. Invigorating, isn’t it? I think so. However, it’s unfortunate that many people taint the endless optimism that should be associated with the New Year by making resolutions meant to correct some sort of personal flaw that they couldn’t tackle last year.

Some of the most common New Year’s resolutions are the goals of losing weight, quitting smoking or just getting healthier overall. While these are admirable ambitions, should one enter a brand new year concentrating on the fact that they have some glaring imperfection that must be corrected? In my opinion, that would be a little discouraging; and many other people must think the same way since the majority of New Year’s resolutions that are made fail within the first month.

I think the root of the problem lies in the fact that the resolutions people make are often times too daunting. It would be overwhelming for someone to say their goal this year is to lose 50 lbs; however, if they create smaller and more achievable goals such as going to the gym a certain number of days a week and eating a healthier diet, then perhaps they would be more apt to stick to their resolution.

I’m not claiming to be some expert on achieving New Year’s resolutions. In fact, I don’t think I have ever kept a New Year’s resolution that I have made. Then again, I can’t remember ever making a resolution about which I was really serious. Okay, so who am I to be writing an article on New Year’s resolutions then?

Well, I’m taking this opportunity to reinvent the whole notion of the New Year’s resolution. Rather than burdening yourself with an unattainable goal that is sure to haunt you for the next twelve months, why not make smaller and more realistic daily resolutions?

For example, “today I resolve to do something nice for a stranger,” or “today I resolve to call a friend whom I haven’t heard from in a long time” or “today I resolve to start organizing my closet.” You get the idea.

It makes sense when you think about it. Rather than making one resolution that you’re most likely going to give up on anyway, how about making 365 little resolutions that are bound to change your life for the better, and touch the lives of others as well?

Just think how accomplished you would feel at the end of December when you look back and reflect on the year gone by, knowing full well that you truly lived each day to its fullest. That, my friends, is my New Year’s resolution.