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Keeping Your New Year’s Resolutions

Abby Weber

A resolution is a simple resolve to change our lives or some undesired behavior in order to accomplish a goal or improve our lives.

So many of us take part in this annual activity to make a single resolution or list of New Year’s Resolutions. This tradition spans the globe with individuals in both the Western and Eastern Hemispheres who participate in this ritual that dates back through a number of religious origins: Babyloians made promises to their gods to return borrowed objects and pay their debts at the start of each New Year. Romans, on the other hand, made promises to the god, Janus – whom they named January after. Knights took the “peacock vow” to re-affirm their commitment to chivalry after the Christmas season. Christians prepare during watchnight services by praying and making resolutions. These are just a few of the religions that take part in reflecting upon self-improvement at the beginning of the New Year.

A surprising number of Americans take part in forming resolutions each year. According to Gallop Polls, nearly 50% of American citizens make common resolutions like losing weight, exercising more, quitting smoking, and saving more money. The number of individuals who succeed in this quest to better themselves has proven to surpass the number of unsuccessful people who chose not to even make resolutions. In order to succeed when making your resolution, be sure not to set your goal too high, and do something to track your progression toward success. Remember, too, that setting too many goals is an easy way to set yourself up for failure. If there are too many expectations, it is easy to lose track of what you are doing, and lose sight of what you are attempting to complete. So, if you’re struggling to find a resolution this year, just stick to your good healthy habits that you’ve already gained. Never forget that the positive changes you make have to be permanent. Stick with the good habits you have already developed until they become a natural part of who you are and you will undoubtedly achieve true self-improvement. If you’re looking for something new this year, try this:

Resolve to renew all your old resolves, and add a few that are new. Resolve to keep them as long as you can. What more can a poor man do? - Author Unknown