Realistic Resolutions

Every year we people confidently make New Years resolutions with absolute conviction, only to dump out of them within the first 30 days of the soapbox top pronouncements. The tradition of resolutions dates back to Babylonian times, reneging on them is a fairly recent phenom. Back in the day the resolutions seemed more keepable, like returning borrowed farm equipment. Babylonian or Bohemian resolutions all stem from the basic precept of starting anew, cleaning our slate, and creating a fresh start. Instead of the lofty and ultimately unattainable resolutions you’ve made in the past, I’d like to suggest three realistic resolutions that will give you that satisfying sense of cleansing and are easily achievable.

This time lets make them keepers…shall we.

Resolution #1

Filter your Friends

Every year in December I take time to clean out my PDA, Email, and contact lists to delete the superfluous peeps.  There always seems to be a friend or two who has gone MIA, and as much as I’d like to keep my numbers up, sometimes its just better to let those people go.  It helps me pair down on the care and concern factor to only those that really count. If after a full 12 months someone that I felt would forever be my friend has either not responded nor reached out to express some genuine interest they get the ceremonious, hit twice “DELETE”.

For me, the definition of a friend is someone who is unconditionally there for another person. It’s the “I just wanted to say hi, how are you” no strings attached reaching out. Not the support their favorite charity, join their new multi-level marketing program or be a part of a surefire investment kind of solicitation.

I have a friend who moved to San Francisco a number of years ago.  Even though she is no longer around the corner, I know, without a doubt, that she is only one phone call away from being at my doorstep stat, no questions asked. That kind of friend is a keeper.

Another friend moved to the east coast a while ago. I consistently made an effort to stay in touch at least twice a year. The efforts were infrequently reciprocated and recently she stopped returning calls altogether. It has been a one sided “relationship” for at least 12 months.  It is sad but I am relinquishing the inevitable. It is time for the deletion of no return.

Others who should be permanently deleted from your e-rolo are those completely unfamiliar names, all the one-night stands, first name only entries and old flames. If they weren’t keepers when you dumped them, they are certainly not going to be any better second time around. Trust me.

Stripping your electronic lists to the essentials clears your universe socially and psychologically for a new batch of better friends and lovers.

Resolution #2

Do the Always and Nevers

Psychologists will tell you that the kiss of death for any relationship is to insert the words Always or Never at the start of your statement. As in “you Never listen to me” or “you Always make me feel bad”. I would like to propose an affirmative 2010 spin for the Always and Nevers.  As in “Always tell me when I have spinach between my teeth” and “Never go to sleep angry with me.” Start a journal of positive Always and Nevers. Write a new one every day and share them with your loved ones.

Resolution #3

Take a walk

The most popular new years resolution around the world is “getting into shape”. I am a 100% advocate of this slimming down and toning up makeover promise.  Unfortunately many people make the goal so unrealistic that the resolution falls by the wayside within the first two weeks of the new year. Let’s be realistic. To this end, I say that you NOT join a gym, swear to lose 20 lbs in 6 weeks or drop 2 dress sizes by Valentines Day.  Instead I’d like to propose you start walking. Hook yourself up with a pedometer, you can find simple ones on-line for under $10. Strap it on and get going. Take a walk in your neighborhood, climb the stairs in your office, step in place while you are on hold, during a TV commercial or waiting for the train. The goal is to reach10,000 steps daily which is the equivalent of a 4 to 5 mile walk and burns about 400 calories. Without making any extraordinary efforts in your day you can lose up to 2 lbs a week! No monthly fees, no funky equipment or special clothing required. Just start moving!

Three very fresh ways to start a Happy and Healthy twenty/ten.

Totally doable right!

Your Grass is Green