If you are one of those people who enjoys the challenges of making and keeping New
Year’s Resolutions, you know that there is no single magic formula that works. The arrival of a new year has always been a time for looking back at the past and looking forward to what’s to come. Reflecting on the changes that are wanted or needed propels the resolutions to be made.
The most common New Year’s Resolutions are made regarding health and finances. Others on the popular list are improve career, improve education, improve self, take a trip, volunteer, get along better with others, make new friends, spend quality time with family members, settle down, pray more, be more involved in activities and spend less time on social media.
New Year’s Resolutions actually started with religious origins. Babylonians began each year with promises to their gods that they would return borrowed objects and pay their debts.
Roman people started their year by making promises to the god Janus, for whom the month of January is named.
Knights in the Medieval Era would take what was known as the “peacock vow” at the end of the Christmas season each year to re-affirm their commitment to chivalry.
In a 1671 diary of Anne Halkett, a writer and member of the Scottish gentry, a page titled “Resolutions” contained a number of pledges such as “I will not offend any more.” The pledges were written on January 2nd of 1671.
At late night worship services on New Year’s Eve, Christians would prepare for the coming year by praying and making resolutions.
At the end of the Great Depression, about one-quarter of the adults in America made New Year’s resolutions. About 40 percent made resolutions at the beginning of the 21st Century.
New Year’s Resolutions are definitely not new to society. But they can bring about desired changes, if adhered to during the entire year. A common reason for failure of New Year’s Resolutions is that participants set unrealistic goals. Goals are more apt to be met when the journey toward the end result is met with realism and common sense.
It has been suggested that New Year’s Resolutions be set keeping in mind why you are choosing a certain goal.
Whatever your goal, may the year 2019 be one of health and happiness for you and yours!
“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” – Socrates
