Fascinating First January

Fascinating First January

What is special of this date that generates so much charm and glamour over us?  It is nothing new that many of us set goals on this eve.  The resolutions we make to stop smoking, multiply money, lose weight ……reflects fresh hope of a new or renewed start.  A feeling of “I have to do” or “can’t fail this year”!

I have not gone through any surveys, nor done any research.  But common sense conveys that even at a conservative assessment, 40 to 50 per cent of those who make declarations break it even before you turn over the January sheet.  Life continues like any other time and majority of the people sail around like a ship without rudder. Complaining about how bad life has become, continues, which is sad!

We all have a clean slate at the commencement of the year.  “A goal is a dream, unless you write it down” – an admirable quote.  If you don’t write it, or tell (if not announce) others, chances are the goal gets derailed sooner.  Of course, the written-down plan of action must be quantified.  You want to lose, say 24 kgs in 2013, that is 2 kgs per month.  By January end, you celebrate that you lost 2 kgs or look at February and say, Oh! I need to shed down 4 kgs.! We are also familiar with experiences like, “This goal cannot be reached” and go for the chocolates and ice-creams.

Setting goals are great.  The top reason for not achieving, I believe, is there is no plan or fear of self-accountability. Again, the goals need not be new.  If you have done a good job in 2012, even sustaining it in 2013 is a good ambition.  Keep it straight and simple!

I wish you all  a Healthy & Happy New Year ( with or without goals!)