I’m not a big fan of New Year’s resolutions. Mostly because I, like most, tend to forget what they were by March or so. Usually it’s because the habit didn’t stick, but sometimes it’s because it did. Once a habit is fully developed it is – well, a habit.
I do like the idea of a fresh new year and the opportunity to start again. I decided to start flossing again on January 1, 2014. This wasn’t a long, thought out decision. I had been to the dentist the day before and after what seemed like an awfully long time sitting in the chair, I asked how it was going. She commented that I had a lot of plaque buildup and was I flossing. Hmmm…now that you ask, I wasn’t. I’m not sure when or why I stopped. I just had stopped. So, given that it I could tell it made a difference the new year seemed like as good a time as any to start back up.
I also decided to start exercising again. I had exercised faithfully for seven years. Then last February I got the flu which turned into a bunch of complications and long story short I was sick for four months. After that, I meant to start back up. I tried to start back up. Many times. I have every excuse as to why I didn’t – but, honestly, I think just didn’t want it bad enough. Now I’m seeing the results of not exercising for six months and I’m feeling a bit more motivated.
So, call them New Year’s resolutions if you wish. To me, though, it’s a chance to start fresh. I had a teacher in elementary school tell us it takes 21 days to develop a habit. I don’t know if that’s true or not – but if it is I have 18 more days. Resolution indicates a decision or choice to do or not do something. A habit on the other hand is practicing something. It is doing it, not just deciding that you want to do it. Maybe I should call it a New Year’s habit instead.