Here are a few New Year's Resolution you might actually keep!

31-Dec-18 03:00 PM
Sushmita Baruah

Making an annual list of New Year's resolutions is a venerable tradition. By some accounts, it dates back to the ancient Romans, who customarily made a show of promising the god Janus that they would behave better over the next 12 months. But while Janus was the patron deity of new beginnings, he also provided a convenient excuse. If a citizen of Rome didn't actually follow through with his various self-improvement vows, he could always shrug it off by explaining that it was Janus' will. Then, presumably, he could just go on gorging himself at banquets or betting excessively on gladiator fights.

Sounds familiar? A couple of millennia later, we're pretty much doing the same thing that the Romans did. But with all the practice we get at making resolutions year after year, why aren't we doing better at keeping them? Psychologists and other experts who've studied resolution-making say we tend to make them too general rather than specific. We suspect that another reason New Year's goals are easy to break is that while losing weight or quitting smoking (two of the top resolutions) are worthy endeavors, they sound rather boring and involve a lot of self-denial. This year, why not make some positive and creative New Year's resolutions? Here are some that you might actually be able to keep.

1. Trust your instincts

In some ways, this might be the easiest resolution to follow. That's because it doesn't require you to change, so much as go back to doing what you were naturally inclined to do, before you started doubting your feelings and over-thinking things, or putting too much stock in others' opinions at the expense your own.

2. Stop Procastinating

To get over procastinating, make a to-do list and start tackling the most pressing jobs. Then move to the most unpleasant -- the ones you really want to put off. Stick to completing the tasks on your list before tackling new assignments.

3. Try a new adventure

Instead of going on the Space Mountain ride at Disneyland or gambling in Las Vegas, why not go somewhere different this year? Going someplace challenging and immersing yourself in a totally new, unfamiliar culture can be a transcendent, even life-altering experience. For one, going to new places means learning how to interact with whoever you meet. So this year, why not plan an adventure journey somewhere? One intriguing trend is volunteer vacations, where you spend a week in some exotic location, helping scientists save endangered sea turtles or helping out at a children's clinic. Or make it a point to attend a local festival celebrating a culture you're unfamiliar with.

4. Meditate for a Few Minutes Each Day

A bit of stillness may be just what you need for a healthier, more productive lifestyle. As someone prone to hyperactivity, it took me years to get to the point where I could sit in stillness — I’m telling you, it’s worth it.

Routine meditation is linked with improved immune function, moods, happiness, self-control and even emotional intelligence. If clearing your mind seems impossible, fear not. There’s no need to “empty” your mind. Commit to five to 20 minutes of meditation per day — in silence or to music.

5. Listen More, Talk Less

Social media, “selfies”, and reality TV seem to be about a lot of people talking about themselves--and all talking past each other. Take a chill pill, stop talking so much, and listen to others more. Not only will it help you connect with others, but it might help you be more introspective as well.