Typically, by this time of year I’ve written down 5-15 ideas (I avoid the term “resolution” because it has become synonymous with failure) — basically a to-do list where I see either a need or an opportunity. It’s crafted from the comfort of my recliner from which none of the items on the list can be accomplished and, like a congressional resolution to cut spending, requires no immediate action on my part.
Additionally, the term “resolution” does not fit most of my scribblings. “Plant more Helda pole beans,” for example, may improve my garden, but it’s not in the same league as “steal less money from petty cash” for character improvement.
I do look in the mirror regarding my work, my character, my spiritual life, etc., but I try to limit those items to a small minority among the resolutions so in the event that I look back to see what I’ve actually done I will not have a preponderance of failure.
At the top of my list is always to resolve to let no one else know what I’ve resolved — with the exception of that single resolution. I am neither willing to broadcast my shortcomings (lest there be great acknowledgement of same) nor publicly commit to ameliorating them. Nor does anyone care about my goal of building a more efficient compost pile or my desire to avoid the passive voice.
My annual recalibrations deal heavily with minutia — yard or garden projects, story or photo ideas, the kind of materials I read, steps to be more efficient at work, items to acquire or confusion to resolve — manageable projects whose completion, come Dec. 31, will allow me at least an illusion that I’ve been productive in 2012.
Any progress made on the character-related goals is just icing on the cake.
The New Year’s resolution has value, even if it is soon forgotten. It requires us to be self-critical, to acknowledge and sometimes discover weaknesses that we might otherwise overlook or rationalize away. It’s the personal equivalent of the annual business retreat or government planning session, a time to focus on what might be over the next year.
I like the exercise, even if the results are unspectacular.
By the way, none of my resolutions ever have to do with losing weight. Some areas of my life are under control, if only for the moment.
