New Year's Resolutions: A New Twist on an Old Classic

I have wondered for several years why New Year’s Resolutions are so popular with people.  To be honest, I thought they were mockeries that people spewed about for the satisfaction of our society, not to actually change themselves.  Over the years I have stubbornly believed this notion, and as I reflect on the couple of years I actually made New Year’s Resolutions, I notice something in common for myself and my state of mind. 

I observed  that the years that I actually decided to make a commitment, I had felt guiltier than other years, mostly like I was failing life somehow; almost as if I knew that I was doing something really, really bad to myself and I knew deep down that I absolutely had to change it.

The notion of guilt leads me to wonder why it takes so much weight on our shoulders to want to change.  I realize that the weight of the burden must outweigh the difficulty of changing, but why must it be so heavy?  Perhaps we are afraid of failure? 

Perhaps, though, we are not understanding the goodness of a New Year’s Resolution, only thinking of the idea in a way that will ensure failure, and hence, more guilt.  As a result of this thought, I have an idea:  why not make a New Year’s Resolution that is on a positive note, perhaps a foolproof resolution?

10 foolproof New Year’s Resolutions for 2011:

            For my New Year’s Resolution, I am going to…

• Treat myself to an ice-cold glass of orange juice (or other favorite juice) when I feel sluggish
• Climb into an extra hot shower or bath when the world is pulling me into the floor
• Walk down the block for some fresh air when I feel up to it
• Drive the “scenic route” for some fresh scenery when I am not late for anything
• Take some time when I get home to notice where I live without judgment or a “to-do” list
• Breathe in 3 deep breaths during my showering/bathing time to refresh my lungs
• Dig the cloves out of the spice rack and allow the scent to lighten my mood
• Hold my tongue just once, when I really don’t want to, taking note of how it affects the situation in a positive manner or just a non-negative manner
• Find one good thing about myself each week and remind myself of that strength the whole week long
• Find one good thing about each person before (or after!) I determine that I dislike them