We have come to the end of yet another year and many people are making resolutions for the up and coming year. The truth of the matter is that many over enthusiastic optimists ascribe to resolutions that will be hard if not impossible to keep. This eventually leads to anxiety and frustration further on down through the year. These are two culprits that one would like to avoid or keep to a minimal. While it is admirable to set resolutions and try to improve one’s individual and personal goals, it would be realistic to make simple resolutions that are attainable.

I would think, the first thought would be to keep these resolutions short and simple, alleviating undue stress that counteracts your overall goal or purpose. Consider if your goal is time orientated and covers time restraints that you know upfront you cannot commit to freely or realistically. Most people have jobs and family obligations that take on the majority of their time, so it would be wise to plan accordingly. Perhaps, incorporating friends and family working together to fulfill resolutions would be easier and act as an added boost for everyone involved. An example would be for someone trying to lose weight to have the cooperation of all in the family in altering the diet to one that is healthy and conducive to all. This can be a fun learning experience, benefiting all involved. However, the change must be done gradually—incorporating trial and error, respectful of all those participating.

For those who have made exercising a prioritized resolution, you may want to improvise. Many studies have encouraged exercising with a partner or in groups to increase continuation and wanted results. Planned walking time with the family unites the family by spending quality time together and learning more about each other through social and physical interaction. Be careful about career and business resolutions because these are goals that may take time. The ‘I want it now’ mentality may block progress. In life there are some things you just have to work hard for and wait until it is your time.

Resolutions should enhance your ability and progress toward becoming a better person. Resolutions should prioritize pleasing the individual opposed to pleasing others who may not necessarily be that concerned with the individual. Resolutions are usually not met if the participant is not personally vested. One may want to rethink their resolution if it causes one more grief than fulfillment.

I propose a simple resolution that we all can support in bettering others and ourselves in the New Year. Simply make an effort to be a better person than the year before. This may entail being nicer, more considerate, more giving, and being more thoughtful of others in your actions. This action can only be intensified and made better if we pass acts of kindness forward. Let’s not recreate something as basic and pure as genuine consideration and respect for others and ourselves. Respecting and loving ourselves make it possible for us to respect and love others. Some us put too much emphasis on superficial and self-serving goals than adopting resolutions that should be natural and radiate from within. We all should unite in resolving to become better people. This way we are all promised a better year.