A Time for Resolutions

Well, it’s almost the beginning of a New Year and that means it is time for the annual “New Year’s Resolutions.” I asked myself why we try these things that most of us don’t complete. My answer is simple — we are lazy, shiftless, good for nothings and cannot complete even the simplest resolution. I can hear you yelling already. You say, “I’m not lazy, or shiftless, or a good for nothing.” Maybe you’re right. Maybe there’s more to it than that. I do know that most people who make resolutions each year fail to complete the task — lose weight, get fit, improve their finances, learn to play the piano, take a trip to Antarctica. So, what is the real reason?

First of all, we fail to set a realistic goal. We try to do too much, too soon. Take it easy. Pick one, or at most two things you want to accomplish. OK, you say, I got my goals set. I understand them and there is a way to measure how I’m doing.

Next, you need to believe that you can complete your new goals. Many of us are finished before we start because we don’t believe we can do it. It will most likely take a change in the way you do things to complete your resolution. Doing things the same way will result in the same outcomes. You need to change something to get a different outcome — and change is hard.

When you fail (and you will fail along the way) you need to get back on track quickly and keep going. And you should set some milestones along the path to success. When you reach a milestone, have a celebration. Celebrate your success and keep on going.

So now you have the basics of completing your New Year’s resolutions. Now I’m going to make it easy on you. I’m going to suggest a list of resolutions, so you can choose one or two:

1. Call an old friend or colleague and wish them a Happy Holiday.
2. Visit a neighbor.
3. Take your spouse or a good friend to lunch to celebrate the holidays.
4. Start a monthly donation (billed to your account) to the Benevolence Fund or the Scholarship Fund.
5. Join a Resident Council committee.
6. Thank a staff member for all the good work he or she is doing to make your life at PVE better.
7. Thank of one more yourself.

There. Wasn’t that easy? You have made a resolution or two that you can keep. You are now one of the 8 percent nationally who will complete their annual New Year’s resolutions. And you are not lazy, shiftless and good for nothing. Happy New Year!