Blogs → Everything Almanac →
New Year's Resolutions
Make or Break!
by Catherine Boeckmann
Janus, the two-faced god of the new year
Do you make New Year's resolutions? Why or why not?
It is believed that the tradition of New Year's resolutions goes back to the Babylonians -- and people have been breaking resolutions every since!
Here is some advice on how to make New Year's resolutions:
- Keep it simple! Settle on one or two things you really can accomplish. Here's a good example: The Old Farmer's Almanac founder Robert B. Thomas wrote down every January 1: "Begin the New Year square with every man."
- Don't just think of goals as burdens. There are good goals that help you enjoy your life and work. Focus on the rewards you will get if you achieve them.
- Define your goal: It should be measurable, doable, and specific. "I want to get in shape" is too vague. "I will walk two miles, three days a week" is concrete.
- Some readers have mentioned that they resolve to quit smoking. Take a sip of lemon juice whenever temptation strikes, or nibble on sunflower seeds. Keep a pencil in your hand to keep it occupied, or play with a yo-yo.
- If exercise is on your list of resolutions, don't forget laughter. Laughing uses more muscles at one time than any other activity. In fact, 15 muscles are required just to smile.:-)
- Share your goals with family and friends; studies show that telling others leads to greater success.
Any regrets about the past year? To help focus on the future, write down your regrets on a scrap of paper and toss it in the fire. Janus, the two-faced god of the new year, would approve!
Wishing you all good health in 2009.
Share your thoughts, advice, and resolutions. (Just type in the box below and click "Submit Comment.")
Reader Comments
Comment from ann hicks on December 18, 2008
I don't actually make "resolutions" but I do take stock of what I did the past year and what I plan to do better the next year. This coming year I plan to do more "random acts of kindness"--the kind that the recipient may not even know about. Last year my husband and I resolved to eat healthier and lose those extra pounds. He lost 20+ pounds and I lost only about seven! As we get older, why do the years just fly by so quickly?
Comment from Robert Jacoby on December 24, 2008
I once made a resolution to not make any resolutions. I've been keeping to it ever since.
Comment from Bill Nellums on December 28, 2008
I don't make resolutions,it only makes us judgemental of ourselves.If we don't keep to it,then we become depressed and start a whole new bunch of issues.Do what someone else wrote,evaluate the passed year and continue with the good and try to change the bad.Don't make commitments you know you can't keep.Peace to all.
Comment from gayle costello on December 30, 2008
Not so much as a resolution but as a starting point, I would like to quit smoking AND lose weight! Does anyone think this is possible to achieve at the same time?
Comment from Rachel Kipka on December 30, 2008
I always make resolutions (to exercise, eat healthy foods, etc.), but a week later I break down and forget about my 'promise' to myself.
Comment from Mary Larson on December 30, 2008
I started living by a new theme instead of a resolution. "Attitude of Gratitude" and "Too stressed to be blessed" to name a couple. I think it works for me because it helps in many areas of my life.
Comment from a dalpiaz on December 30, 2008
For the person who is resolving to lose weight and stop smoking: I would start with the smoking first. It's more dangerous to your health. I have found Weight Watchers good for losing weight and keeping it off. It's not a diet but a life-long method of eating healthy. And exercise is a must. Good luck!
Comment from jeff glover on December 30, 2008
I'm going to start showing more love to my enemies.
Comment from Lauren Beck on December 30, 2008
To Gayle Costello: It is possible to do both. I quit smoking on 2/9/04 and went on a diet and lost 20 lbs. I've been tobacco free ever since. Try a support group like MSN freedom from tobacco. To: Mary Larson: What wonderful themes! I'm going to borrow them. Now for my resolutions. I'm going to increase my cardio exercise to 45 minutes 6 days per week and weight training to 15 minutes 3 days per week. I'm going to write 2 pages of my mystery per day and I'm going to eat healthier by increasing my servings of fruits and veggies to 9-11 per day.
Comment from WALLY J. DULAK on December 30, 2008
I resolve to lose some weight this year. I will be in a contest with my family for who loses the most weight. I must resolve to excerise more.
Comment from Lisa Broxterman on December 30, 2008
My resolution is to get rid of half of my "stuff," either by selling it on ebay, donating it to charity, or giving it to someone who could make better use of it. Didn't Thoreau say "things are in the saddle and ride mankind"? I also resolve to get back in shape by walking and lifting weights. Another resolution is to continue reading quality literature.
Comment from diane sauve on December 30, 2008
my New Years resolution is to get back in shape and focus on me for a change.
Comment from DIANNA Richmond on December 31, 2008
As a rule I never make New Years Resolutions,but this year I feel it is a must.I plan to Get Rid of the people in my life,that I thought were my friends...but in reality were not. Here is to Kissing them out of my life once and for all. Kudos to myself. Happy New To All.
Comment from CL Moore on December 31, 2008
I plan to finally get a living trust/will completed. Pay off my mortgage and car. Take my first cruise. Spend more time with friends. Up my exercise level. Read more books and expand my horizons. Think entreprenurially and, live in the present.
Comment from kay glover on December 31, 2008
I WILL CONTINUE LIVING MY LIFE AS I ALWAYS HAVE; TRYING TO DO FOR OTHERS. I MADE A PACT WITH MYSELF MANY MANY YEARS AGO THAT IF I MADE AT LEAST ONE PERSON A DAY SMILE & BE HAPPY( EVEN IF FOR A MOMENT) THEN I'VE EARNED THIS SPECIAL PLACE HERE ON EARTH. YOU CAN'T MAKE EVERYONE HAPPY, BUT IF YOU CAN MAKE SOME HAPPY SOME OF THE TIME, THEN YOU'VE DONE YOUR JOB & IT MAKES THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE!
Comment from sharon stergis on January 1, 2009
I wish for the New Year to not be afraid to live my life. To have faith. Faith in myself and in my life.
Comment from Shonda Sheppard on January 1, 2009
Yes, I make New Year resolutions mainly because I love beginnings. I also make resolutions throughout the year for this very reason on anniversaries, birthdays, certain holidays, etc.
My resolution for this year is to avoid thinking negatively about circumstances and people AND, when I should fall short, to acknowledge it has been done, give myself love instead of condemnation, and heal it with a replacement positive thought.
Happy New Year!
Comment from Gerry Martin on January 1, 2009
I always make New Year resolution, then break them. Not just break them, but end up doing the opposite. This year, I resolve to take up smoking again, drink to excess, gain at least 40 pounds and become a complete couch potato. By this time next year, I should be remarkably fit and healthy. Or dead.
Comment from nancy parker on January 1, 2009
No I do not make resolutions. Never thought I had to do this. But everyone has different ways of thinking about this idea. If it works for you do it.
Comment from Jack Zeivel on January 1, 2009
I don't make resolutions; I know what I want to do, and what I HAVE to do to accomplish it.
Comment from Charles Malarkey on January 5, 2009
I made no "cold turkey" New Year's reservations, but I have resolved to gradually move toward a more vegetarian-based diet, each week eating less and less meat, and more meat alternatives. A book I was reading over the holidays described an indigenous population that really saw animals as their brethren. They weren't vegetarian, but they always acknowledged a mutuality of support and aid between themselves and their animal brothers and sisters. I think this kind of relationship could save this planet, and I want to begin to acknowledge my animal brothers and sisters by eating them less and less often.
Comment from Dena Taylor on January 6, 2009
Funny how we do not help ourselves live longer and healthier lives. If we lose weight, we will live on the average of five to ten years longer and no longer need all that medicine that cannot be good for our bodies. I think we need to think about how much we love ourselves and eat to live and love and enjoy who we are! I have decided to love me and see how it effects who I am. When you will not post your picture out of embarrassment..... that speaks volumes.
Comment from susan andreassend on January 6, 2009
My hope for this coming year is that millions across the face of our earth watch.. www.thesecret.tv and co-create the new era for humanity,,,one of abundance,peace and joy for all. because our earth history has led us to this point now,,that we have to clam our creative skill's for the benefit of peace. sincerely susan.
Comment from jamey milam on January 11, 2009
i resolute to have more patience with myself and adapt to the chaos 3 boys bring to my home
Comment from carolyn hicks on January 15, 2009
I do make resolutions... not sure if I have ever kept one but I try every year. THis year my resolutions are:
OF course I have already broken many of them, but I will continue to work on them each day. (as I eat a muffin! Oops!! ) :-)
Comment from Sharon Smith on January 21, 2009
Yes, I make new year's resolutions. Just like I make new resolutions several times a year. The beginning of the year is just a good time to reflect and renew.
Aren't new year's resolutions the same as goals anyway? My goal for today is to have supper ready in timely manner. My new year's resolution is to have family dinners at home and only a few times go out to eat or "drive through" a fast food place. I haven't arrived, but I'm still working on it.
New year's resolutions give a person something to strive for even if they do get broken in a week. We can always stand back up and keep toward the goal.
Registered users can add comments.
Registration is free, and just takes a moment.
Login or Register.