It is that time of year again. Most of us have eaten and spent more than we should. And now what do we do about it? Why, we make a New Year’s resolution, of course.
There is something appealing about that line between an ending and a new beginning. There is hope and the possibility of better things. If 2015 wasn’t your best year, look at the new year as a new opportunity.
According to one study, 45 percent of us make resolutions regularly, 17 percent make them infrequently and 38 percent never make them. Of those who make resolutions, only 8 percent succeed. The larger portion of us are marginally successful, approximately 49 percent, and the rest of us are annual abysmal failures at 24 percent.
Most frequently our resolutions involve self-improvement. Tops for 2015 is to lose weight followed by getting organized. Next on the list is to spend less and save more. The trouble with these personal goals is they are ongoing. There is no success without a continuing effort.
I normally fall in the 38 percent of people who never make resolutions, but I did in 2014 resolve to volunteer time instead of just donate money to non-profit causes. I am happy to say I met my goal, but what really matters is what I learned from the experience. I found myself giving time again this past year. There was no resolution but a pattern had been set that worked and meant something.
I have an ex who every year looked forward by studying tarot cards. Definitely not my thing, though the cards themselves were pretty interesting; it meant something to her. It helped her focus on what the next year might bring and my guess is depending on the result it stirred her resolve to face whatever came with it. She also insisted on having a good-luck portion of black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day as well.
I recently read an article at Inc.com about the idea of making a resolution to do something out of the ordinary at least once during the year. For example, do something you are afraid to do. What a perfect way to stretch yourself. It is achievable and liberating. It can be an empowering experience that might lead to more moments that take your breath away and make your heart beat faster.
It is hard to fail if you pick one something and just do it. The article also suggested doing something that needs doing even if it isn’t your job. Just once. It might inspire others and there is no telling where that energy might go. Pick up a piece of trash on the street even if you had nothing to do with it being there. Simple, doable and satisfying.
Maybe the best resolutions are those that have nothing to do with self-improvement. Maybe it is the one focused on others and only incidentally affects you.
If you are one of the 45 percent who make a New Year’s resolution, then set yourself up for success. The beauty of success is that it frequently spawns more of the same. For 2016, go forth and succeed.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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