Just signed up to the gym? Following a strict diet? Spending half your time with a book in hand? Congratulations; you are part of the 2013 New Year resolution hype! I’m not begrudging all the new faces in the gym (even when you steal the few treadmills not facing a mirror) but what are you hoping to gain and how long will it realistically last?
New Year’s resolutions are generally met pessimistically- the majority believing these radical changes to our lives are only ever going to be short term. Having recently watched Bridget Jones (the source of all moral knowledge and life guidance), I’ve come to realise that resolutions really shouldn’t involve giving something up but, rather, embrace something new (nothing too overwhelming- everyday in the gym is just too keen.) It should be something character enhancing and ultimately enjoyable. “New year, new Bridget.” Depriving yourself is only going to change you for the worse as all you will think about is what you have given up. The time you spent eating crisps in double maths or binging on ‘Miranda sessions’ is now being filled with reading and press ups. New Year’s resolutions either fail instantly- adding to our guilt complex and putting us in the most depressing mood throughout January (ending sometime after February 14th), or they consume our lives. Every conversation eventually revolves around how many sit ups you achieve or how few carbs you ate last week -fascinating.
Considering our lives from a new perspective and valuing what we have (Bridget Jones style) is fun and far more proactive. I’ve had years where I’ve had resolutions as long as my arm and others where I haven’t bothered. Nonetheless, 2013 has heralded a new approach (well, sort of). I’ve decided that as I’m not a complete failure how I am and ultimately got to where I am without sticking to controlling regimes then I might as well continue that way. This may sound convoluted but essentially, it’s the best resolution I’ve ever made. It’s easy to sustain as I won’t feel bad about myself in a month’s time and my friends won’t be put off by my radical change.
Don’t be the new you; be a happier and more content you. If this involves movie marathons then don’t spend your days in the gym- especially with the lack of air conditioning.