FROM THE EDITOR: SAYING NO TO NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

I don’t make New Year’s resolutions, mainly because I think they are silly.

In addition, I recognize my limitations.

Over time, I have come to realize that remaining committed to an arbitrary pact with myself prompted simply because the Gregorian calendar changed from one year to the next is not one of my strengths.

That doesn’t mean I’m denigrating others who utter such resolutions.

I’m sure when they make those promises to themselves, they intend to finish what they started.

But studies show humans are fickle animals, and actually carrying through on a New Year’s resolution is much easier said than done.

According to the Fisher College of Business: “Researchers suggest that only 9% of Americans (who) make resolutions complete them. In fact, research goes on to show that 23% of people quit their resolution by the end of the first week, and 43% quit by the end of January.”

I’m a graduate of the school that reminds folks if you say you’re going to do something, then do it.

Pretty simple. But my philosophy also strikes a note of caution, and I’ll gladly share my little sliver of wisdom: Don’t make promises you can’t keep, even with yourself.

If you tell folks you’re going to accomplish a task, have the wherewithal to stay the course. Easier said than done, of course. The reasons people give for not achieving their goals when they make resolutions are not hard to understand.

According to surveys, folks fail to fulfill their resolutions because they lose motivation, their lives get busier or they change their minds about goals and priorities, to name a few of the causes.

In my case, I hate to fail. And, I don’t like telling people I fell short of an objective. That usually means I’ve not only let myself down, but them as well.

If you are going to set yourself a task, keep it simple. Keep it realistic. Make it something that fits with your schedule, fits your priorities and fits your work/life balance. Start out slow. Exult in the little victories each day. Don’t sweat it if you drop the ball once or twice.

There’s always tomorrow. Another suggestion: Don’t judge yourself too harshly. You’re only human.

Agree? Disagree? Send your thoughts to [email protected]. We may run your comments as a letter to the editor, which we reserve the right to edit for length, taste and grammar.