Resolving Not to Resolve

Well, the Christmas holiday has passed and here we are again preparing for a brand new year.  And, that means many people will be practicing the time honored tradition of making New Year's resolutions. 
I've heard it said that a New Year's resolution is nothing more than a "to-do" list for the first week of January.  Of course, referring to the time honored tradition of breaking those newly made resolutions before the calendar page gets flipped.  Sure, the intentions are good, but we all know intent and action can be distant relatives.  Need an example?  Think back to last year's resolutions.  Did you keep them?  Did you keep one of them?  Let's take it a step further.  Do you even remember what they were?  If you do, you are definitely in the minority.  Research says only about 12% of people are successful in keeping resolutions.  Those 12% used things like making their resolutions public and asking friends or family to help them be accountable.  Or, they set goals instead of resolutions.  That gave them something to measure and adjust over time, allowing small steps to one big accomplishment.  I have taken this approach over the last ten or so years.  I must say it has provided greater success than the "one strike and you're out" approach.  I try to set goals in different categories.  Of course, the "Health & Fitness" category is a popular one this time of year.  But, I also address others like Social, Spiritual, Financial, Family, Educational and Fun.  It doesn't have to be something hard.  In fact, it needs to be attainable.  I have listed below some New Year's "Goals" to consider.  There may be one that you find interesting and will want to add to your list (that's another help, write them down).
* Read one book a month (audio counts)
* Invite friends over for dinner once a month
* Set a game night for your family to enjoy together
* Find a new hobby that provides exercise (hiking, kayaking, golf)
* Schedule date nights with your spouse
* Volunteer in your community (food bank, animal shelter, nursing home, hospital)
* Write one letter a month to friend or family (not an email or Facebook, an old fashioned pen and paper letter in an envelope with a stamp).
* Do something special for somebody without telling them you did it (gift card, pay for next car in drive thru)
* Sing in a choir or try out for a play
* See how many of your neighbors you can meet and actually be able to say you know them
* Consider things you are good at and teach others to do them.  Then...
* ...ask someone to teach you a skill they are really good at.
* Reseach and seek info on a historical person or event for the year
* Learn to cook a new dish each month
* Each month, eat at a new restaurant you have never tried before
* Volunteer to coach a kids sports team
* Start a journal (Doesn't have to be detailed, may just be a bullet point list of events or what things cost.  Consider what you would find interesting from 10, 20 or 50+ years ago)
* Video a parent or grandparent telling a family story, making a favorite meal or dessert, singing a song or telling a joke

You know, as I made this list, I became aware that the most important changes we can make for the new year are not the ones focused on changing our lives, but on those that focus on changing the lives of those around us.  That way, we are both changed for the better.  So, as I wish you Happy New Year, remember that happiness is not a wish, but a decision.