The great thing about New Years is the mentality that people have about it. It’s almost as if people think that everything starts over fresh, like some giant video game that you can just hit the RESET button and it will all change.
Don’t get me wrong. I think it’s great that people want to jump start their optimism all at one time. I think that might be one of the reasons that people make it to the next year in the first place.
The only down side to all of this that New Years is just a lie. It’s an escape for one day before reality bites back down hard.
Think about last year, 2010. People always at the precipice of the something new will look back and complain about what they’ve already had. The best way to describe this phenomena is using a TV or computer. If you were to get a new one today, you’d say that your old one was a piece of junk and that you couldn’t wait to upgrade.
Guess what? You’ll say that when you buy the next one too.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not jaded. I just think that it is silly people try to rally all of their inspiration into just one day and then try to carry that mentality for an entire year.
I think you have a better chance of being hit by lightning. Unless that’s your New Years Resolution of course.
Seriously, to all the people who want to lose weight, stop smoking, get that promotion, discover yourself or just generally do better, you will never accomplish this goal on your own. Why not? Because yourself is already at fault for putting yourself in the rut or unhappy place you’re at and no promise over a sip of champagne and a giant ball dropping is going to change that.
So do yourself a favor and get help. I’m not talking a self-help book, some Nicotine gum, or a gym membership, I’m talking about finding another human being to pick you up when you’re struggling.
In case you’re not sure who to seek out, I’ve given you some options to help develop your options.
Weight Loss:
Find/Pay someone to ride your butt about getting into shape. Make them responsible for all the neglect you’ve already shown.
Think of it this way, until you can go to work in your bathing suit and not be embarrassed, that’s your end goal. Feel free to use that as a tool in your weight loss efforts, but be forewarned about impending sexual harassment lawsuits. Your call.
Smoking:
Find someone with throat cancer and become best friends. Chances are no matter how neutral you are about it, that voicebox is going to creep you out and remind you that you don’t want the same thing happening to you.
P.S. Watching Ned on South Park does not count as befriending.
If that fails, the only other thing I can suggest to you is have a baby. You can’t smoke around them (unless you’re a complete jerkoff) and it will help you kill the cravings.
Becoming someone better:
Get yourself a motivational speaker and life coach.
Only when you let someone else in and tell you that improving your life is possible and keeping you on track to do it will you succeed. Imagine it as a report card. If you have a goal you’re struggling to achieve and with no one checking in, it’s easy just to lie to yourself.
WARNING: The degree of success you get is from the caliber of person you select.
I hope that puts you on the right track.
As for me, I like to keep my resolutions simple, unique and most importantly obtainable. Last years went pretty well, with the exception of learning another language. I think I picked up a few extra Spanish words during Happy Hour at the El Presidente so I’m recycling that to this years cut. As for the rest, I actually just about filled my artwork book up which I intend to use throughout this years blog.
My only other two resolutions were to not be the first person to break eye contact when locking eyes with a stranger and to blog at least 5 times a week on this thing.
So fee free to share your resolutions. If you need help keeping them, I'm a publicly embarrassing post away from keeping you in line. Hopefully you all can do the same for me.
Until next time.
