It’s that time of the year again: New Year’s Resolutions. And while it is easy enough to see the inherent problems with arbitrary goal dates and starting points, the point remains, there seems to be nothing better for starting over as starting at a perceived beginning. So, in light of the coming New Year, and the inevitable onslaught of people looking to make new changes with the start of the New Year, here they are; your top 5 conundrums to making the most life-altering list of all – New Year’s Resolutions.
#5 Free Time – Make no mistake, as another year passed, you just got older; one more revolution around the sun. It is officially time to start doing that thing you always meant to do that you haven’t gotten around to. Unfortunately, you may find that real-life trying may just prove that you had been right to avoid it all along. Apparently, I will just never be the ballerina I thought I would be, but then, if you were ready to deal with that kind of potential rejection, you would have tried earlier. So go for it if you are bold, but don’t be surprised if you are ill-prepared!
#4 The Fisique (Ok I jest, the physique) – To be honest, you are probably best to make your New Year’s health resolutions mid-year, that way by the time NYE rolls around, you are already on a roll. Yes, it is pretty hard to change speeds halfway through your holiday dinner. Plus, if you think about it, there are probably a lot of reasons why you set yourself up for failure if you just set them on January 1st because it is the years end. At the very least, the machines at the gym are going to be absolutely packed with people who made the same commitments. Give it three weeks, this will pass! If you are poised to start a new health regime of working out and eating better at the start of the New Year, stay aware – danger lurks everywhere!
#3 Friends – There is no better time to say…out with the old friends and in with the new than the start of the New Year. If you get the chance, exit your New Year’s Eve party just after midnight, that way they cannot say you haven’t seen them since the previous year – and then run. The downside is you may be forced to make new friends. Or just become a hermit. That works too.
#2 Financial – Let’s be honest, you’re getting older. That money isn’t saving itself. It is great to be able to go away on every little vacation you get a chance to, but at some point, you are going to have to mind your money (Oooh, unless you make traveling your business, in which case, keep going!). There is nothing more fulfilling than noticing your bank account inflating by virtue of you holding out on things you would have previously partaken in. On the other hand, going out and having fun is good too. This is a tough one. I leave it to your discretion.
#1 Family – When it comes to family we can all likely put a little more love into the world. For all the respect, admiration, mutual frustration we have with our family members, there is little doubt that for most of us, they are the most important people in our lives. Have you slid into a difficult situation with a brother? Perhaps some unresolved issues with your father? Perhaps you haven’t been as good as you could be to your mother? Well, simply put, there is no time better than now to let them know how you feel and make that move towards being a better family member yourself. I challenge you – especially if you are feeling justified for your frustrations – to simply let it go, and be the bigger better person. Your New Year will thank you!
Love/Hate is your guide to life’s little conundrums.
