Tuesday, December 29, 2009

A Resolution Not to Have a Resolution

I don't believe in New Year's resolutions. I know, I know, knocking resolutions at this time of year is a bit like saying "Bah, humbug," at Christmastime. But it seems that the idea of "resolutions" have become commercialized in much the same way the big red guy has overtaken December. Don’t believe me? Just check out the ads in your local newspaper Sunday—tell me if every grocery store ad doesn’t feature Lean Cuisine on the first page, on sale, with something along the lines of “Eat healthier in 2010” in bold letters. It’s almost like Kroger is telling me my New Year’s resolutions better be to lose weight, exercise more and take a daily vitamin. Sure, all good ideas, but do you ever keep a resolution that’s handed to you in the Sunday paper? Me neither. Instead, I like to make gradual, doable changes in my every day life versus trying to change everything, all at once…starting January 1.

So this year I’ve resolved to not make any New Year’s resolutions. Anyone else care to join me?

9 comments:

  1. I agree - every day is resolution day! I try to make goals all the time, which I guess it far less overwhelming than thinking of 73487283479 one day a year.

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  2. I like this idea, to not make any resolutions! I haven't figured out my resolutions yet but I do enjoy writing in my journal and reflecting on what I hope for the coming year... Looking forward to doing that tonight.

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  3. I raise my glass to doable changes. Here, here!

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  4. I'm of two minds on resolutions. On the one hand, we as freelancers need to be flexible to adapt to the changing market, client's needs, etc. But I do think that making goals and writing them down can be a powerful thing. So instead of a resolution per se, I made a list of several things I want to accomplish in 2010, among them finish the ebook I've been working on and retake driver's ed, since I haven't been behind the wheel in six years and I want to be ready if I ever need (or want) to drive. Happy New Year!

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  5. I'm constantly reinventing myself anyway, so I don't wait til New Years to think about self change. But I do like to pick a resolution, which I think of as a wish for myself. Next year I wish to learn how to ice skate.

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  6. I've friends who like the daily approach you choose, and others who like the all at once idea.

    I make Advent resolutions/goals myself and by new year's day I have new directions in mind and begun.

    Each to his/her own, I'd say.

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  7. I just began writing something so similar to this - that my resolution is not to make any (since I end up breaking them anyway, and repeat the same pattern year after year). Rather, I re-access where I am in my life and rather than resolve to change, I try to see where I can do better. My version of resolutions this year is to pick something new to do/eat/try each day of the year.

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  8. I like the idea of gradual doable changes. Going to give it a try myself. Thanks!

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