Where did 2015 go? OMG! Time to close out the year, shop for the holidays and make 2016 New Year resolutions. Why do we do this to ourselves? Where did the word resolution originate anyway? According to Dictionary.com and online etymology dictionary, it all started in 14c., “a breaking into parts,” from Old French resolution (14c.) or directly from Latin resolutionem “process of reducing things into simpler forms, “from past participle stem of resolvere “loosen.” Sense of “a solving” …first recorded 1540s, as is that of “power of holding firmly.” (cf. resolute). Okay, that’s enough of the history for me. According to Wikipedia, the tradition of making promises has religious origins and essentially, the concept is to reflect upon self improvement annually. The origins and intent of resolutions are positive and often result in personal goals.
Top ten 2015 New Years Resolutions:
- Stay fit and healthy (37%)
- Lose weight (32%)
- Enjoy life to the fullest (28%)
- Spend less, save more (25%)
- Spend more time with family and friends(19%)
- Get organized (18%)
- Will not make any resolutions (16%)
- Learn something new/new hobby (14%)
- Travel more (14%)
- Read more (12%)
Source: Nielson
Only 8% Achieve Success
I was intrigued by this list, not because there were any surprises, but I found it interesting that the “top ten” were variations on the same annual themes. While 45% of Americans make New Year’s resolutions, according to a University of Scranton study, only 8% of people achieve their New Year’s resolutions. Really? We need to scrap the resolutions and set attainable goals.
Preparing for 2016 Success!
Instead of New Year’s resolutions, set specific, measureable goals and enlist an accountability partner.