People Always Break the Same New Year's Resolutions ...

If there is an honor roll of promises broken, this one will be on top of the list of New Year’s resolutions that people always break. The mere mortals among us fall into the trap that was wonderfully messed up by roasted beef, apple pie, wine and cheese. Add to that pile convenient, fast and sinful fast food indulgences that are simply too difficult to refuse. Anyone with suggestions for how to beat this curse?

Several of my friends smoke. A lot of them now have some sort of ailment because of the habit. The ones who haven’t developed any form of illness related to nicotine and its minions told me they will soon quit so they may live longer. They said that to me seven years ago. As 2015 moves onward, I’m waiting for the same declaration.

“One day, I’m going to travel just to be with myself,” said Jane. Eight years after this statement was uttered, she is still stuck in a cubicle wondering how she can get out of the rat race. There are so many Janes in this world who always postpone travel (or generally time for the self) for career and other responsibilities. On this matter, let me just offer a thought: "Dears, stop thinking and just do it. You can’t always put the things you love on hold.” Travel, even if it means you have to do it alone.

All for the love of healthy living, some people say they will quit drinking and face a whole new year “clean.” Guess what? Before January ends, they’re already drowning themselves with tequila shots. I personally think there’s nothing wrong with drinking but…everything should be in moderation. I believe that the key in making New Year’s resolution is that they have to be realistic. So perhaps you can say, “I’ll control my drinking next year,” instead of, “I will stop drinking in 2015.” How’s that?

Let’s face it, at some point in our professional lives, we had that job that we hated…to the bones. But we can’t leave it because it’s a stepping stone to something. While going through the daily rigors of doing one task after another, it crossed your mind that someday you will have a job that you will truly enjoy doing. A new year is coming and then you tell yourself that for the next year, you will be a different woman, version 9.0. Any luck on making that happen?

And I mean, reading with pleasure, not those materials that we are required to read because of work or school. But…it’s not enough to just say that you will read more books this year. Better make it specific, honey. It’s best to be realistic, right? Say, four books a month?

For those working in cities (or countries) away from our families, I know you can relate to this point. I often think that Christmas is a time when guilt comes alive because during Christmas dinners or get-together parties, we feel that the company of family is just filled with warmth and love. And yet, we don’t spend too much time with Mom or that younger sibling who just makes you laugh endlessly. Well, it doesn't have to be Christmas or a holiday to spend time with family. Make every day count, as they say.

What’s your New Year’s resolution?