New Years Resolutions That Are Easy to Keep
December 26, 2011, By Avery Hurt 2 comments
We all know that most new year's resolutions are history even before the confetti has been cleaned up. Psychologists give all sorts of advice for how to keep resolutions, including setting smaller goals, keeping a journal and so on. I think the problem is that we choose grim, finger-wagging resolutions: I will lose weight; I will go to the gym every day; I will stop drinking; I will re-read Moby Dick and pay attention this time.
I propose that this year we make resolutions that we actually want to keep, things we don't have to bang ourselves over the head with a stick to make sure we do or don't do. Here's a list of suggestions to get your thinking started. All are good for your health in one way or another (even if just as stress-busters), but more important they are good for your spirit, too.
Eat More Chocolate: Most people should have no problems keeping this one. Choose the good stuff (squares of rich, dark chocolate) rather than Snickers bars, and it will be very good for your heart as well as your tastebuds.
Make Time for Yourself: Stress contributes to much chronic illness and many of life's other difficulties. Carve out a few minutes a day to do something just for yourself: Read a good book, listen to a favorite CD (really listen, don't just use music for wallpaper) or take a solitary walk. Whatever makes you feel a little more centered and connected with yourself will benefit your health and your life.
Start Dating Again: If you are married, you can improve the relationship by starting to date again—dating your wife, that is. Whether you go out to dinner or stay home with take-out and a rented movie, make sure you do it regularly—and without the kids!
Read to Your Kids. We all know how much this benefits children (they love it, too), but we sometimes forget how great it is for us. Reading out loud with your children is a great way to bond, and a great way to enjoy some books you probably wouldn't read if you didn't have children.
Let Things Go: Getting rid of clutter or keeping your desk organized are common resolutions. I suggest you make a resolution to let a few things go. A messy house or desk or workshop won't kill you. Stressing over it could.
Give up Micromanaging Your Diet: Of course it is important to eat well. But measuring serving sizes and counting carbs might be counterproductive. Eat nutritious food and not too much of it, and don't sweat the details. You may find that you are healthier and even thinner in the long run for not fretting so much over what to eat and not eat.
Have Fun. Commit this year to having fun. You'll be surprised how much better your health, your work and your relationships are if you just focus on enjoying your life.
Even if these easy-keepers don't improve your life that much (and I think they will), at least you won't have to live with the disappointment of having broken them.
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