Resolutions or Bust

@chulce (1537)
United States
December 31, 2010 4:34pm CST
I always hear of many people creating a "New Year's" Resolution. But, I never hear of anyone who has been successful at completing that resolution. It is really interesting that it seems to be more popular to start and then not complete it. Why is that? I have found it quite confusing that people go through so much trouble to set up a resolution and then they don't even bother to work on it, or they do but only for a very short time then give up. To be honest, I don't feel it necessary to create a resolution for the new year. I feel that if I do I am liable to let myself down and then really make myself feel mad about it. So, for now, I feel that I will create small goals for myself ones that I know are doable and can be maintained.
10 responses
@Angelgirl16 (2171)
• United States
1 Jan 11
You are correct, it is easier to start a New Year's resolution than it is to keep one. For that very reason, I don't make them anymore. I just start the new year off with trying to improve on my last years failures without being adamant about getting it right. I think when we put the pressure of achieving the goal, that we probably all ready tried to achieve in the past, upon ourselves we are setting up for failure, which may bring on depression because we failed. I think it is just best not to make any resolution and just do your best to have a better year.
@chulce (1537)
• United States
1 Jan 11
Good for you. For me, its trying to do better as well. Especially when it comes to my writing. I really want to get a book published and move onto the next step of my writing. It would be one of the biggest dreams of mine.
• United States
1 Jan 11
Keep your eyes on the prize, life has a way of rewarding us for our efforts.
@peavey (16936)
• United States
1 Jan 11
I don't make resolutions as such, but I set down and write a list of goals each new year. It helps keep me on track for long term goals and it helps me remember some of the smaller things that I want to or need to get done. It works, for the most part. I have a few left over from last year, but discovered that they were not as important to me as I once thought.
@peavey (16936)
• United States
1 Jan 11
Glad to be of service. :) If you don't want to waste paper, use scrap paper. Junk mail, used envelopes and things like that. I use the backs of printed letters or things I've printed from the internet. Even the back of a grocery receipt works!
@chulce (1537)
• United States
1 Jan 11
That's a great idea. I used to write stuff down all the time. But, then thought about all the paper I felt I was wasting. Maybe that is something I should go back to. You are making my wheels turn. Which is great!
@lingli_78 (12822)
• Australia
1 Jan 11
it happened to me many times as well... i had made many new year's resolutions that i'm not able to do them... may be i'm not trying hard enough and i'm not committed enough... that's why my resolutions always fall apart... lack of will and determinations from my part to carry them out... i hope this year i will do better and i can fulfill my resolutions with God's blessings... take care and have a nice day...
@chulce (1537)
• United States
1 Jan 11
Instead of making resolutions, set yourself up with goals that you know you can achieve, write them down and refer to them once in a while. If necessary make a note at how you are doing with your goal, it might help. Bright Blessings in the New year!
@jules67 (2788)
• Philippines
1 Jan 11
I do agree with you. I guess that they are just meant to be broken. I never had any resolution set during the previous years because I know that I will only get frustrated. But honestly, I would like to make doable goals for myself. I would like to plant herbs even on just small pots for our home. I would like to read more and study and learn how to make more money on the net. I just that I would be a bit nicer to people even strangers. :)
@chulce (1537)
• United States
1 Jan 11
I actually have a huge list of things that I would like to accomplish myself for this new year. A lot of home improvement projects as well. Today, I will be getting a piece of paper and writing down the many things I would like to do this year, then see how many of those goal we can accomplish. I say we, because I know that many of them on the list will be a family effort. Even though they may grumble, they will help me complete them. HA!
@offlimits (596)
• Philippines
1 Jan 11
You are right. Nobody needs resolutions if they won't do it anyway. We just have to have goals that we're sure we could meet and we also must have the belief that we can reach them. If not then we're just wasting our time fooling ourselves, and it'll bring us nothing. In my case I am glad that last year (2010)I resolved something in myself, although I didn't actually specified as my 'new year's resolution.' I'm just glad that even without making those resolutions I changed something in myself, and that's what's important.
@chulce (1537)
• United States
1 Jan 11
I know what you mean about changing something. I did as well, that is one thing that I feel was good about last year. Although it was a rough one for us as a family, we are looking for a better year this year and even greater changes that will make a world of difference for all of us.
1 Jan 11
I think a trick would be to make "decisions", or at least call them that. Resolutions seem to be made just to be broken. Decisions...? Not so much.
@chulce (1537)
• United States
1 Jan 11
That's a good idea. Decisions. Hmmm... You may be onto something there. I feel like I'm getting lots of great ideas this morning. This is going to be a fabulous year, I can feel it!
@maezee (41997)
• United States
31 Dec 10
LOL YOU MAKE A GOOD POINT. In the past day, I've responded to at LEAST ten discussions here on MyLot about how all the users are trying to have these grand goals and resolutions for themselves..Well, yeah, I will admit, I do have goals for myself this year. I would have goals regardless though, because I feel like goals help ME accomplish stuff - whether I decide upon those goals on New Years Eve or in the middle of July. You know what I mean? I mean, I think if you really want something to be done, you'll do it, and you don't need to wait until the beginning of the year to start working on it.
@chulce (1537)
• United States
31 Dec 10
Thanks! You also make a good point as well maezee, having goals is a great way to get things accomplished. I think in many ways, people set the goals to be either to big or to high to reach. Making them smaller goals makes it less overwhelming and easier to accomplish. Less disappointment. Good luck with your new goals and good luck for the new year!
@alfred8 (61)
• China
1 Jan 11
I never created a new-year solution,Perhaps I worry I will be disapponted if it doesn't come ture.Besides,after repeating several times I may get used to results.That will be the biggest failure.I also tend to make some little resolutions that can be achieved easily.It would be better if each resolution is bigger than the previous one. Of course life goal is vital to the people who wants to suceed, but just few people can find.
@chulce (1537)
• United States
1 Jan 11
Wow, you just struck on an important point. Life is a great adventure and there is so much that each of us wish to do. It is so amazing how vast our similarities are and yet how vast our differences are to. To ponder all this could be quite boggling.
@artistry (4152)
• United States
1 Jan 11
..Hi there chulce, I think a little like you, I don't make New Year's Resolutions. It is in my mind a sure way to make sure you do not keep the promise you make to yourself about whatever it is. The things that I want to do in the new year I keep to myself and make a mental note to do it. If it gets done or accomplised then that is great, if it does not, then there is no promise broken and no guilt, That is a better way to make it all work in my mind. Formal resolutions may be a great way for people to accomplish some of their goals and if it works good for them. Your way sounds excellent. Take good care of yourself, be safe and enjoy. Cheers.
@chulce (1537)
• United States
1 Jan 11
That is so true. I hate to see so many people being disappointed when they don't reach that almighty resolution, and then be depressed about it. Making a mental note is a good idea. Might be a good idea though to get a special diary to write them down in so you don't forget them. :)
• United States
31 Dec 10
Even if you don't like new year's resolutions it can still be a good time to wipe the slate clean. I try to let go of any grudges I may have had that year, usually with my sister. It can also be a good wake up call. It never a bad idea to take inventory of your life and get rid of the things you don't like, either to do or just things about yourself you would like to change. Happy new year
@chulce (1537)
• United States
1 Jan 11
You make a valid point. It is a great way to Start the new year off with a clean slate. The great thing is the way each of us views this time of the year differently and how we celebrate, how we renew ourselves for the year to come. It is quite eye opening to see.