Spare yourself the resolution charade

Here we are again; the end of another year. In just a few days, we will do that one thing we have waited to do all year: put up a new calendar. The best part of starting a new year is getting to do the things we can't do the rest of the year such as write the wrong year on checks for a solid month or debate when to take down the Christmas tree. Better yet, we get to celebrate this extra special occasion by drinking too much alcohol, eating copious amounts of fatty meats, and laughing hysterically at ourselves when we say, "See you next year!".

Oh yes; the start of a new year is a tremendous amount of fun and joy. However, the greatest part of it all is the traditional "New Year"s Resolution". We all love seeing the endless declarations dedicated to "eating healthy", "losing weight", "being a better person", or "spending more time with people". Don't get me wrong: I love that people are trying to make a change. If you eat like shit, by all means, monitor your nutrition a little better. A few pounds heavy? Try to lose it to feel better, and, if you are a horrible person, you should try to be a little better.

The possibilities for improvement are endless, and at the start of the year, everyone is ready to pursue them. Yet, most "resolutions" fail by February 1st. Ever wonder why that is? It's because no one really wants to change. Most resolutions are declared so that the person can make themselves look good in the moment, and not because they actually have interest in improving. For those that do actually want to change, you are setting yourself up for failure in the first place. A new year starting is not a good motivation for bettering yourself; you cannot sustain that for a year. Unless you really want to get better for the long-term, you are not getting to better, and if you do want to get better, you would have started long ago.

Look, as I said, I am all for self-improvement. Lose your weight, eat healthier, be kinder, be a better friend, help the poor, what have you. But, try doing it because you actually desire to and not just because you think it makes you sound better for a time. Maybe, try improving yourself some other time of the year and see if you are actually motivated to do so. Otherwise, just stop with the whole "New year, new me" bullshit. Trust me, if you are an unhealthy asshole on December 31, midnight is not going to suddenly make you Hugh Jackman.

#newyearnewyou #resolutions