You can do it

You haven’t had the time to make New Year’s resolutions yet? We touched on the concept in this space yesterday, reminding readers that few people actually make and stick to their resolutions. (The numbers range between eight and 9.5 per cent, at least among people who are selfstating their successes.)

We can do better. Oh, yes we can.

It’s really all about setting targets, and, well, the problem of just setting them too darned high.

The problem, in other words, is not with us, it’s those pesky resolutions. Vow to take off one-third of your body weight during the next 365 days, and you know you’re almost certainly heading on a crash course to comforting sweet and salty snacks.

First up? Resolve not to procrastinate, because, really … (Oh wait — forget that one. Because, obviously, if you’re depending on this editorial to offer up options a day or so before New Year’s, you’re already a procrastinator.)

Let’s try that again.

Start with a few easy ones, the sort of resolutions that can quickly and quietly bulk up your success rate, and, while you’re at it, the global resolution success rate. (When you’re making a “to-do” list, it’s always good to add in a few “already dones” to make the list more weighty.)

First off, resolve to wear something on both feet when going outside. Chances are, you’re probably already doing it, which is a great confidence builder for an anchor resolution.

Always dress for work or social events. No, we don’t mean dress up. Simply dressing will be enough to check this one off your list, giving you two wins when you’re barely out of the gate.

“Eat your dinner” is another easy one, along with “Have your coffee or tea just the way you like it.”

OK, we’re getting warmed up now. This resolution business isn’t so hard after all.

Help a neighbour when you don’t really want to, and try to do it at least monthly. That’s right, put aside resentment and the TV remote, and help out.

Here’s one for the guys: don’t sexually harass anyone, whether you’re at work or at the bar. Hard for some men, apparently, but far from hard for all.

Resolve to leave the car in the driveway and walk somewhere at least once a week — not a marathon distance, but some place that ordinarily you would get behind the wheel to travel to. (Check this box off, and next year, we can try for two walks a week.)

Take a breath, now — they’re getting tougher. Be consistently nice online. Lose some weight (but only if you can afford to, and most of us can). Be an attentive driver. Practice restraint.

See, we’re getting somewhere, baby step by baby step.

And by 2019, maybe we’ll be ready for some real heavy lifting.