OPINION: A good time to plan to make changes

Since the turning of the calendar to the new year, like the start of Spring Training, heralds something of a chance to start over, it’s the logical time for introspection with the idea of doing things better next year.

Few of us — with the exception of members of Congress — can take stock of ourselves without seeing opportunity for change and improvement, and those of you who are objective and honest can probably see the need for many a severe course correction. This is not a confession, so I’ll move right along.

Not every year, but most years, at some point between or even during bowl games I’ll grab a pen, open one of my ever-present little pads, and start writing.

I never characterize my efforts as “resolutions.” Rather, it comes off as a list of goals or even a to-do list for the upcoming year. What winds up on paper may be chores I’ve put off from previous months (“rake the yard”), reflections of desires (“catch more fish”) or actions that would improve the results of some labor (“prune the blueberries”). Still, occasionally something more resolution-like appears, like the year I wrote, “read better stuff.” That comes to mind because it is one of the few list items upon which I followed through — by reading excellent nonfiction on a variety of topics.

Except for the fact that the list does not help fund the HOPE Scholarship, creating one is like buying a Georgia Lottery ticket. There is virtually no chance that what’s on the list will actually get done, but for a day or two you have the right to ponder what life would be like were you to actually accomplish the agenda set forth.

If now is the time for making resolutions, Jan. 15 is about the time for giving up on breaking bad habits (watching “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” comes to mind), getting more exercise or forgiving Republicans.

Still, it is nice to ponder the possibility of real and lasting change.

I’ve heard there are actually people out there who make and keep resolutions, but I’ve yet to meet one.

May your resolve be strong. Happy New Year and good luck.

Mark Beardsley is the editor of The Commerce News. He lives in Commerce.