I've never made New Year's resolutions.
And I won't be making one this year either.
Why?
Because they're stupid.
Think about it: A resolution (promise) is a Big Deal. And when you make it with the entire year ahead of you, well -- that's a long haul.
Plus, January and February are just dreadful months and an awful time to have to keep your resolution.
For example, suppose you resolved to watch your diet. What the hell is there to do during the dreary months of January and February except eat. And now you've gone and prevented yourself from eating. How are you gonna enjoy those Super Bowl parties or that Valentine's dinner with your sweetheart? And what about those l-o-n-g winter days when you want a cheesesteak or a pizza? Don't tell me you're gonna deprive yourself.
Suppose you resolve to work out more and get more exercise.
You'll have to run on a treadmill or somesuch. What's more stupid than that? You're indoors, you're runnin, you're sweatin and you ain't goin nowhere. Then you're all perspired and running toward your car in the frigid weather. That's a quick way to get pneumonia. Why would you want to do that?
But people go ahead and make these dumb resolutions anyway.
And 99% of the time these resolutions are no kept.
Remember this: When you make a promise, that promise is gonna weigh on you. It's only gonna make you do the opposite because you're gonna be thinkin about the promise all the time.
"Don't eat."
Whoa -- Did someone say "Eat?" Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat!
Ya see what I mean?
When you make a resolution, you're your own worst enemy. You're fighting yourself.
Here's the one way to approach this year and every year: Don't get too carried away on any front. Try to live fully but moderately. Avoid excess whenever you can.
Yeah, you can go overboard once in awhile but don't make it a habit, OK?
Be sensible. Use your noggin.
Then, you won't have to worry and you won't have to make resolutions.
You'll be fine.
Happy New Year!
5 comments:
Well done! What people don't realize is that making a resolution is a form of control, usually about something they have no control over.
in my case I made a resolution to feed the cat in the morning, giving my wife 10 more minutes to sleep.(She works, I'm retired!)
This is a great and funny post! It's almost as if I could hear you reading it. "Live fully but moderately" is great advice. Happy New Year!!
Lunch again soon.
Oh, dear! At the risk of sounding like a common scold. . . When we go public with a resolution, we are more likely to be successful at implementation. Or at the risk of sounding sanctimonious, dare I say that the real sin is not having goals that are difficult to attain, but no goals.
Happy New Year!
Dynan: Thanks so much for your comment. You are right to make very simple, reasonable resolutions. It's just that I don't like to be stalked by a promise. I'm of Italian origin (you may have noticed) so I like to live serendipitously.
Kwan: Yes, these are my words and I am sayin it straightaway -- just like I hope I taught you. Say it naturally.
Sean: Yes, I will try to set up a lunch soon.
Sean and Kwan: We should try to include Radu in our lunch as well. The logistics may be difficulat. We shall see.
Bonnie: You are by nature a goal setter and we all love you for it. Me? Well, I don't even know what I'm gonna wear on any given day until I get up in the AM and/or have breakfast. I'm not a list maker, either.
Everybody: Happy New Year and thanks for participating!
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