Ah, the brand new year! A chance to start over. A chance to start something new. A chance to set resolutions for what you want to accomplish. Did you write down all your goals and ambitions for the new year? No? Me neither.
I used to. In my younger days, I was pretty faithful to the thought that a new year meant a new beginning. I would buy a new planner and list all the family birthdays, anniversaries, etc. I would join a new weight loss program. I even joined a gym a couple of times!
Then, by about mid-February, I would run out of steam. The planner would go by the wayside, consequently most of those special dates I took time to record would go unrecognized by me. I would stop participating in the weight loss program, which is why I've gained and lost the same 40-50 pounds over the years. Those gym memberships? HAHAHA - forget about it!
Where it all Began
You might be wondering why or when humanity started viewing January 1st as a day of resolution. Well, allow me to enlighten you.
First, let's go back about 4,000 years to the Babylonians. It is said that they would spend about 12 days celebrating the start of the year by planting crops, making promises to their gods to repay debts, return borrowed items, etc. thinking this would bring them favor and a new year full of prosperity.
Now, let's move through time to around 153 B.C. The Roman senate decided January 1st would be the specific start of the new year. They would honor their god, Janus whom they saw as the two-faced god of beginnings and endings. No doubt, parties ensued as they seemed to party every chance they could.
Next, fast forward to around 1813 to find the phrase "New Year's Resolutions" printed in a Boston newspaper for the first time. Ever since, the concept has become a tradition. Not unlike the Times Square ball drop or toasting with a glass of champagne or kissing your significant other at the stroke of midnight.
For centuries, people have been writing resolutions in their diaries and journals. Some listed Bible verses they wanted to be more in alignment with. Some might have spent December living it up only to have a sort of confession session on January 1st asking forgiveness. Others were probably very devout in their resolutions and passionately worked all year to attain those goals.
Modern Day Resolve
Over the past decade or so, I've come to realize that making changes in my life can't be based on the start of a new year. Any changes I want to make must be because I'm really ready to put in the work to achieve those goals. And, typically, January 1st is not going to be that date.
I know that having a planner won't help me if I don't look at it daily no matter how pretty it is or how much time I spent setting it up.
I know that joining a weight loss group won't help me if my mindset isn't ready to put in the necessary work.
I know that making any resolution won't work if I'm not sincere about the changes themselves.
For some people, they genuinely feel that January 1st is the perfect time to start something new and that' s great for them! I wish them all the success in whatever they are looking to achieve.
For others, they may feel that they can easier let go of some things in their lives because it is the start of a new year. Again, if that works for them, that is terrific.
For me, I choose to hang up a new calendar, sleep in late and continue on living the life I've been given. I guess that may is my one and only resolution. Continue to live my life as best I can. I will have successes. I will have failures. I will laugh. I will cry. I will continue on.
So, raise a glass to 2026 and may your year be filled with all the tools you need to live a successful life.