What is your opinion of New Year Resolutions?

Blog Prompt for December 28 – January 3

I think resolutions are a great idea. I mean, why wouldn’t you want to take a problem or hurdle in your life and resolve to do something about it to better yourself? “Resolution” is just another word for goal-setting which, if done properly, can help you achieve your dreams.

But what do I have against “New Year’s Resolutions”? Well, a lot actually. First off, if you have gotten to the point like me where you’ve had it with your current lifestyle and need to change things immediately, you’re probably not going to wait for the first of the year. It’s like waiting for Valentine’s Day to get married. If you’re serious about what you’re doing, you don’t need a special day to mark the beginning of your journey. Getting started is memorable enough.

Another thing that can hurt your resolution is the perception that if you have any set-backs, you have to wait till next year to get started again. Look at gym memberships, for instance. A good deal (not sure of the percentage) of people who join a gym for a “New Year’s Resolution” end up quiting within the first 3 months (or is it 3 weeks?). What better to kill your motivation than an unused gym membership eating away at your already meager earnings.

If you must have a “New Year’s Resolution”, start small. As SparkPeople.com suggests, overwhelming yourself right from the beginning will get you no where fast. Take baby steps and before you know it, you will be reaching your ultimate goals and living your dreams.