By Mike T. Smith
It happens every year. Once all of the Christmas present wrapping is torn apart people start making New Year’s resolutions. The week after Christmas is full of people giving themselves false promises. Saying things such as: “This is the year I’m finally going to lose weight.” “This is the year I’m finally going to start that business.” “This is the year that I’ll become the hot dog eating champion of the world.” All admirable goals, even the hot dog eating one. Everyone loves to be a champion, and I do enjoy a good hot dog. I’ll never be the person that tells someone to give up on their goals, but I have to call out New Year’s resolutions for what they are, simply a fad. One that comes around every eleven months and a week. People start making them the day after Christmas and then they are usually forgotten about two weeks into the new year. Just drive by the gym and check the parking lot on January 1st and then again on January 15th. Parking becomes much easier. This is why they lock you in for a year contract. They know that New Year’s Resolutions don’t work for the majority either. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have goals and/or strive to be better at something. This means that you shouldn’t limit it to only an annual thing. When you decide you want to do something, make the commitment to yourself to take the first step within 24 hours. Want to learn how to play guitar? Within twenty-four hours you should be on the phone with a guitar instructor or watching youtube videos that teach how to play guitar. Why wait until the first of the year? You’re only cheating yourself out of progress. Here’s to a prosperous new year, but remember that every day is chance for new beginnings. Mike T. Smith is an author and youth motivational speaker that speaks to middle and high school students about bullying and self esteem. For more information about Mike visit his website at http://miketsmith.net.
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