When and where I grew up, they were just part of the Christmas/New Year ritual, like pulling crackers, that one knew about, might even go through the motions of, but was not to be performed with any seriousness. (Religion was practised in much the same way.) The trope (there’s an idea: LifeTropes!) was that no-one ever keeps New Year Resolutions longer than a couple of days at the outside. Failure is inevitable, inherent in the very idea of making a resolution.
Sadly, they do. [actually make serious new year’s resolutions]
What is “sad” about making serious new year’s resolutions? That people do not do this every day instead of especially at the new year? Or that people do this at all, instead of drifting unawares? Please expand your thought.
Convincing oneself that “this is a special occasion” can have positive effects on willpower (citation needed, but dang it, can’t remember what I’m thinking of, I’ll get back to you), so putting forth your resolutions on one specified day may be more effective.
Interesting. Do people actually make serious new year’s resolutions? I’ve thought that they’re more of a joke kind of thing.
When and where I grew up, they were just part of the Christmas/New Year ritual, like pulling crackers, that one knew about, might even go through the motions of, but was not to be performed with any seriousness. (Religion was practised in much the same way.) The trope (there’s an idea: LifeTropes!) was that no-one ever keeps New Year Resolutions longer than a couple of days at the outside. Failure is inevitable, inherent in the very idea of making a resolution.
These days, I’ve no use for that loser shit.
Sadly, they do.
What is “sad” about making serious new year’s resolutions? That people do not do this every day instead of especially at the new year? Or that people do this at all, instead of drifting unawares? Please expand your thought.
That people don’t do this every day. If you decide that you should change your behavior, there’s no time like the present.
Convincing oneself that “this is a special occasion” can have positive effects on willpower (citation needed, but dang it, can’t remember what I’m thinking of, I’ll get back to you), so putting forth your resolutions on one specified day may be more effective.