Last year, for my New Years resolution, I gave up fast food. My body has enough issues without allowing myself burgers that are more preservative than cow. It was a good idea, and I stuck with it, because while I'm not competitive with other people, I am unflagging in my competition with myself. It's how I dodged McDonalds all year, how I write books, and sometimes how I get up in the morning; I bet myself that I can't, and then I do, just to be contrary.
I haven't settled on my resolution this year. I'll figure it out in the next few days.
If you're of a mind to make yourself a promise this year, here is my advice.
1. Be exceptionally specific. That way, you know exactly when you're about to break your own promise, and you're less likely to do it.
2. Don't make any resolution that someone else is trying to sell you. No gym memberships, no fad diets, no cooking classes. Money gets in the way of adding something to your sense of self, and it creeps like mold on your decision-making. You're better off going for a run every Monday, giving up red meat, or learning to make a new meal online once a month. That way, icky capitolism stays the hell away from your determination.
3. Go public. Accountability will help you do the thing. You wouldn't want to disappoint all those people who congratulated you on your decision, would you? I didn't think so.
If you can't think of a resolution, remember that the world is full of stuff that's currently outside the scope of your life, and you might love something new. Learn to play an instrument (I recommend ukulele, for fun). Learn sign language. Make a video game. Do the GoodReads Challenge. Befriend your postal worker. Do anything. It's all waiting for you.
Have a good 2016, everyone.
