Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Fresh Start

Out with the old, in with the new.  That’s the theme this time of year as hundreds of thousands of people make New Year’s resolutions.  It seems like a good time to start fresh, to turn over a new leaf, to begin again as we enter a new year.  These folks pledge to lose weight, get organized, save more money, eat healthy, exercise more, quit smoking, quit drinking alcohol, and so on.
 
These are all admirable declarations and the timing sounds right, but according to a recent study by the University of Scranton, a mere 8% of American’s who make New Year’s Resolutions are successful in achieving them.  And only 64% keep the resolution beyond the first month. 

Perhaps there is a better way.  I would argue traditional resolutions are all “me” driven.  Maybe we should change our mindset for resolutions and become more “other” focused.  And what if we re-pledged these promises every month or even every day?

For instance, I plan to:
Be generous - give more, take less.
Be kind – do unto others…
Help – not only when needed, but anytime.
Laugh – or better yet, make someone else laugh.


While these things may not seem as grand or impressive as losing weight or saving more money, they will hopefully make me a better person and help someone else at the same time.   All the best for a new year filled with giving, kindness and laughter. What's your New Year's Resolution?

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