This year I want to …

New year resolutions. Do you make them? And if you do, do you stick to them? And for how long? Sorry for the questions but this issue does intrigue me. 

I thought I would do some research into the origin of them and found out with the help of the indomitable AI that they date back over 4,000 years to the ancient Babylonians, who made promises to their gods during the 12-day Akitu festival for a favourable new year, promising to repay debts or return borrowed items. The Romans later adopted similar customs, honouring the god Janus with promises for good conduct. Christians continued the tradition, viewing the new year as a time for repentance, evolving into the more self-improvement-focused resolutions that are common today.

So basically, we impose these goals on ourselves with the view of “improving” ourselves in some way, whether it be health, wealth, personal growth or relationships. The goals should, ideally, be specific and achievable and most importantly, realistic. There is no point in setting a goal as vague as “eat healthier” or “lose weight” as these are not focussed enough for us and we are almost setting ourselves up for failure from the start. 

https://www.vogue.com/article/how-to-make-new-years-resolutions-tips

The above article is really worth reading as it talks about the need to make smaller, what they call “micro-resolutions” and to make fewer of them. For example, “I am going to move more” may be a better starting point than,” I’m going to exercise daily”. Trying not to beat ourselves up about slipping from the path we aim for is also so very important. We are human, life can be hard. 

My own view on new year’s resolutions is that it is good and positive to want new things for yourself, to want to be healthier and happier but we need to be in it for the long run. Never put too much pressure on yourself for a quick solution

Me, I’m going to resolve to work harder to make some new resolutions … maybe next year!


Comments

Leave a comment