Let’s say we’re off to a fresh start and leave it at that

I have decidedly ambivalent feelings about New Year’s resolutions. On one hand, I seriously doubt that many of them last much past the beginning of February.
Unfortunately, many people use their New Year’s resolutions for a new start on old habits. On the other hand, I must have absorbed some of the traditions surrounding the new year as it is celebrated in Japan, during our four-year stay there. Every corner of the house was cleaned until it shone, all debts had to be paid and for everything you did on New Year’s Day, you put forth your very best effort, since the new year represented a new beginning ... a fresh start.

I do like the idea that no matter what our past mistakes, everyone is entitled to a fresh start. After all, January was named for the Roman god, Janus, who had two heads; one to look back at the year past and one to look forward to the new year. So if you are determined to get rid of some bad habits or just hope to be a better person in 2010, the Center for Health Promotion has some suggestions:

1. Make a plan and set goals that are realistic, manageable and measurable.

2. When setting goals, be mindful of all the other things in your life that you will need to balance.

3. Don’t expect too much too soon and set reasonable targets.

4. What obstacles are in the way? How will you deal with them?

5. A support system can help you stick to your plan.

6. Don’t forget the power of positive thinking.

7. Expect bumps in the road and use them to learn. A blip here and there doesn’t mean you can’t reach your goal.

8. Remember, change occurs gradually, and setbacks are to be expected. They are part of the change process.

Seek expert advice and help.

It is worth trying to be the best you can be every day. As Aristotle said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”

Wishing you a new year in which your wise choices become regular habits that result in good health and happiness.

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