by Wendy Brumback

Created on: January 15, 2010   Last Updated: January 16, 2010

We all do it. Every year as that ball drops from the sky we tell ourselves that this year will be the year. This year we will lose the weight, quit that bad habit, find the perfect job, find someone special, finish that project; in short we will find true happiness.

Why do we do this?

As children we are told to make a New Year’s Resolution. But we are never told why. Well, honestly, our parents told us to make a resolution because their parents told them to. I think the reason it has stuck is because we, as humans, desire a challenge. We like knowing we have something to work toward. The New Year is a time of renewal. For years it has often been symbolized by the New Year’s Baby. It is the birth of a new year. When we stop and look back on the year behind us we are often filled with both happiness and regrets. The holiday season has passed and the time spent with family and friends is now over. We are no longer baking and present shopping. Our time has begun to feel empty. We know we must find something to fill it.

Why then do we have such a hard time keeping our resolutions?

Because, life begins to take over. School returns, clubs and meeting resume their regularly scheduled times. All the free time we thought we had is no longer available. Getting back into the swing of things is exhausting.

If that is the case should we even bother with a New Year’s Resolution?

The answer is yes! We only have to be smart about it. Before deciding to spend 2 hours a night coining the next great American novel, look at your schedule. What upcoming events are there? When does your kids’ sports practice start back up? Try scheduling in time to write in a 30 minute slot here and there. The same holds true for just about any unfinished project - such as home renovations, organization in rooms, at work, or in the home office, craft projects, charity work, fund raisers, job hunting, etc.

Looking to lose weight this year? The same thing applies. You need to figure out your schedule first. Joining a gym will do you no good if you can’t find the time to actually go. Buying the new equipment will not help if you don’t use it. Stocking up on fresh fruits and vegetables will not help if you come home from work, tired, and decide it is easier to order a pizza rather than cook. Read up on living a healthy lifestyle; don’t look for a quick diet plan. Consult your doctor and nutritionist about what would be good for you. Check out the internet for

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