A New Year's resolution is a commitment that an individual makes to a project or the reforming of a habit, often a lifestyle change that is generally interpreted as advantageous. The name comes from the fact that these commitments normally go into effect on New Year's Day and remain until fulfilled or abandoned.
I didn't know resolutions are supposed to start on New Year's eve. I only had one resolution or goal that I started on New Year's Eve and was able to accomplish: I've stopped smoking since Dec. 31, 2002. All other resolutions or goals I made I have either forgotten or abandoned. Hehehe.
In the United States, popular goals include:
* Lose weight
* Get out of debt
* Become more organized
* Maintain a diary
* Save money
* Improve grades
* Get a better job
* Get fit
* Eat right
* Get a better education
* Drink less alcohol
* Quit smoking
* Reduce stress
* Take a trip
* Volunteer to help others
* Be less grumpy
* Be more independent
* Learn something new (such as a foreign language or music)
* Be more of a douchebag
Recent research shows that while 52% of participants in a resolution study were confident of success with their goals, only 12% actually achieved their goals. Men achieved their goal 22% more often when they engaged in goal setting, a system where small measurable goals are used (lose a pound a week, instead of saying "lose weight"), while women succeeded 10% more when they made their goals public and got support from their friends.
I always believed in goals rather than resolutions. I'm posting this topic to use for my classes/discussions.
