We’ve all done it . . . come year end and the afterglow of an indulgent festive season we get carried away and sign our lives away with overly ambitious New Year’s resolutions. Then comes the really tough part; trying to stick to those promises and avoid the embarrassment of failing in front of family and friends. Here’s some of the common resolutions doing the rounds (you have been warned).
The all time classic: I will shed a few pounds (Note, be very careful here. Perhaps take the slowly, slowly, approach in your quest to lose weight. Avoid sweeping statements at all costs.)
A relatively new resolution: I will not text while I drive.
Another oldie, for the eternal optimist: I will give up smoking.
For the sports fanatic: I will develop a comprehensive exercise routine/I will set myself a specific target or deadline (ie The Cape Argus; The Dusi; The Comrades; Midmar Mile).
More on technology: I will not lust after the latest phones/pads/computers from Apple.
Worried about your health?: I will quit drinking.
Searching for meaning in life: I will help others.
For the spiritual: I will not envy others’ good fortune, possessions, or blessed lives.
The grass is always greener: I will relocate to another city, to another job, to another life.
The family man/woman: I promise to spend more time with my partner, children and loved ones.
The top 5 habits that age you . . .
As noted earlier, the tough part is sticking to the game plan. Just a small suggestion: perhaps for now, keep those big plans under wraps until you’re quite sure that the masterplan is going to come together. Then you can broadcast your triumph to the world. Or, alternatively, announce a less ambitious target, and then when you go the whole way you can gently let slip about your huge achievements.
Best of luck, however you go about it. – Ridge Correspondent.