Comments on: Let’s Make Non-Resolutions

By: So Do You Make Resolutions?

So Do You Make Resolutions? — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 04:50:27 +0000

[...] wrote once before on my theory of resolutions: My basic point being that I generally find them kind of intimidating and disheartening, so I tend [...]

By: Sharon

Sharon — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 20:43:28 +0000

If resolutions are made to be broken, and,”good intentions are the road to hell,” but,a “promise is a promise,” then lets start the New Year with promises to ourselves. OK?

I’ve always loved the last stanza of Robert Frost oft-quoted poem.

“The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
but I have other promises to keep,
and miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

A lovely reminder that none of us has forever to accomplish what we would.

PROMISE!

By: Johnny

Johnny — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 21:11:24 +0000

I personally don’t like New Year’s Resolutions. I can never seem to keep them and that depresses me. So I just don’t make them anymore. And I am happier for it. I do like the idea of highlighting accomplishments though. And the pat on the back is really great, but my arm gets sore after a while….;>)
I do have generalized “to do” lists for the year…In May, I come to the conclusion that the pile of “lists” is getting too high, so I trash them and sit on the deck and soak up the sunshine….which is what should have been on the list in the first place…..”pat! pat!”

By: Jersey Girl

Jersey Girl — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 20:06:55 +0000

I’m very anti resolution…kind of like I’m not crazy about Valentine’s Day. I think everyday should be Valentine’s Day…but that’s another story.

Somewhere along the line I gave up on making resolutions that never went anywhere. I kind of like the idea of listing the year’s accomplishments although this year that would primarily consist of listing work, work, and oh yeah, more work.

This year, however, I did sort of make a resolution to be nicer…and by that I mean, not stroking out at the office. (It’s a high stress job; towards the end of last year, I was ready to throttle anyone who crossed me.) I mentioned this nice idea to my boss who told me his resolution was to be mean (he’s usually the voice of reason) so we continue to be the Department’s Yin and Yang.

So any bets on how long I can keep up the “nice” resolution? Happy New Year!

By: Lynnette

Lynnette — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 04:26:28 +0000

Okay … I have a theory about Resolutions.
It’s a rather daunting task the way I perform this yearly ritual, but for me it works. First I make a “Would” list. If the list is 100 items or only 5 items … these are the goals I would really like to accomplish. From the “Would” list I make a “Could” list. This is when reality sets in and my practical side surfaces. What could I realistically accomplish with the amount of daily time I have to dedicate. Nothing turns me off more than setting some unrealistic goal and not having a plan of action on accomplishing it. I think that’s what prevents so many of us from keeping resolutions. What could I commit to at this time in my life? Then from there I make the “Should” list. That’s the list I ultimately choose from. In 2000 when I lost more than 130 pounds, I knew that’s what I “should” do. That would benefit my life greatly in so many ways. In 2003 when I declined working 100+ hours a week, that was a resolution on my “should” list. When I resolved to create a family newsletter in 2001, I did so to provide a link for our family and I felt I could commit to continuing that project (and happily I have). I make goals that are obtainable and I commit to them. BTW: I’ve only been using this method for about 10 years … so prior to that I talked about all sorts of resolutions and forgot about them about 7 days into the new year.
Happy New Year!
Lynnette

By: mizwrite

mizwrite — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 18:36:17 +0000

Thanks! And yes, I agree with you that it IS important to have some goals. In fact, my writer friend Patti and I are always making “goals” together, mostly relating to writing fiction. But, like you, I simply don’t call them “resolutions” (which implies a promise) and — more importantly — I don’t do them as part of the new year!!! I feel like the new year is a great time to simply celebrate past accomplishments. Then, as January and Feb roll around, and you’re making your standard list of goals about getting the bathroom cabinet fixed or launching a project at work, you have some energy and enthusiasm about your ability to have success. Happy 2009!

By: Chris

Chris — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 01:59:24 +0000

Ok I see your point, though I feel like I would want to know what I need to do in the coming year. I am with you on not creating a “resolution(s)” as I don’t like to do that either. I would rather see a need for something and just decide right then and there to do it. Though, I can see how some folks might like to wait for a set time for a new beginning, and what better time than New Year’s day or your birthday? I guess i makes it easier to track or something like that. Personally I see each new day as a chance for a new beginning.
So that’s my take anyway.
By the way I love your blog Laurie!