A New Year's Resolution is according to the American Heritage Dictionary, The state or quality of being resolute; firm determination.
A resolving to do something. Every year, millions of Americans make a New Years Resolution on New Years, and usually by February, they have already succeeded to break that resolve. Why is that? It is probably because they are setting unrealistic expectations for themselves.

Here are some resolutions that you should NEVER make, and why you shouldn't make them.

1. Don't resolve to fit into clothing that you wore 20 years ago. The fact is, over the years, people change physically. If you're a woman, you have the added issue of spreading hips with childbirth. Even if you were to reach the same weight that you weighed 20 years ago, chances are you wouldn't be able to fit the article of clothing that you have clung to anyway. A better option here would be to resolve to loose a set amount of weight, or to reach a goal weight such as I want to weigh about what I weighed 20 years ago, and then to celebrate, go buy a new favorite article of clothing to cherish.

2. Don't resolve to exercise like a freak everyday-you'll injure yourself and you will not be able to keep up with an insane exercise regiment. Instead, buy a gym membership, and hire a trainer who can guide you through a workout regiment that will not injure you. You'll be glad you did.

3. Don't resolve to do something stupid to prove to others that you can. Resolving to climb Mount Everest when you have absolutely no mountain climbing experience is a death sentence. Instead, why not invest in some climbing lessons? You'll be a lot more alive and happier that you did.

When you make a resolution, be reasonable and realistic. Ask yourself, am I doing this for myself, or for someone else? If it's not for you, chances are, you'll be one of the ones who quit in February. And if you do make a resolution, back it up with help. So you want to save "X" amount of money? See a financial counselor, or set up a direct deposit from your paycheck each month. Oh, and one more thing. If you make a resolution and by chance, you do fall off the wagon and quit in February, there is no set law that says you can't start over again. This is a new year folks, it's full of new opportunities. Happy New Year!

Learn more about this author, Amelia Tibbett.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about New Year's resolutions you shouldn't make?
We want to hear your view. Write now!