For some, a new year offers the chance of wiping the slate clean and exorcising the demons of the past 12 months.
To the more practical among us, it provides yet another chance at gradual self-improvement.
Unfortunately, most new year’s resolutions turn into unfulfilled wishes because people set themselves impossible goals.
Like all life-changing exercises, creating a set of realistic resolutions for the year ahead requires careful thought. People may be more successful if they avoid saying, “I will not” as part of their resolution. Be careful of: “I will not eat chocolates ... I will not use bad language ... I will not be rude to anyone.”
These kinds of resolutions usually end up as broken promises by the beginning of February.
Lifestyle changes are rarely achieved overnight. Set realistic goals: Don’t go on a crash diet, just eat 15 percent less food than normal and do 15 minutes of exercise each day – you will soon lose weight.
You want to be a better person? Call up a local charity organization and ask how you can help. You will feel better immediately.
Think of areas of your life that you have neglected. Old friends you have lost touch with, for example. Drop them a note, send them a card. Use the postal service instead of e-mail. Yes, letters still exist.
Don’t allow financial concerns to take over your life. From an early age nowadays we are programmed into letting our material expectations dominate all others. Remember: you can’t have relationships with possessions.
And as you go about your daily tasks – in your work or personal life – ask yourself the question: Can I do this a little better? If I take a bit more time or make slightly more effort, will I get a greater reward? The answer is usually yes.
Self-improvement means different things to different people, and sometimes the tangible results are hard to assess. However, anyone who embarks on such a journey will be rewarded in one way or another.
As Margaret Lee Runbeck said, “Happiness is not a state to arrive at, but a manner of traveling.
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