Rant 1 - 1/1/12 Subject: New years resolutions

And so it begins ladies and gentleman.

Rant number 1

I've chosen something topical to begin with, something close to everyones hearts, New Years bloody resolutions.

The idea of a resolution - a plan to make a change, a renaissance or to improve yourself - is always something that I salute. That side of it is just fine.
All of us can and most probably should improve ourselves in some way, whether its to eat a little less, get a little fitter or give something negative up like smoking or drinking.

My problem with the whole thing is the 'new year' part, which excuses us from taking action as and when the thought takes us!

This blog for instance, has been my intended new years resolution for no less than 3 consecutive years. 

It is only this year however that I have got to this stage - actually putting pen to paper figuratively.
'So why didn't I do it before?' I hear you cry

Simple - I got to a couple of days past new year and thought 'I've left it a little late now haven't I, it would seem odd to start at this arbitrary day, I'll start again next year.'

For me that's fine, not writing this blog will not have any particular physical ill effects (other than the minor risk of anger overload by not venting these angry thoughts.) But for someone planning to make a genuine change to their lives, the result of procrastinating year on year, could be catastrophic.

The other thing that really gets my goat about these bloody resolutions is that barely any of us stick to them do we!?

As such, something that should be a positive and life affecting change, becomes a joke.

Gym memberships skyrocket at this time, and for 2, maybe 3 weeks - those who have purchased them diligently attend the gym, boasting to their friends, colleagues, neighbors and anyone who will listen about how 'fit and youthful' they feel as a result.
Then things begin to slip: 'I would go' thinks our example person, 'but that show I quite like is on this evening.' Or simply 'I've had a long day at work, I'll go tomorrow'
And tomorrow, as they say - never comes


The problem you see, is that there is no magic to new year. None at all. Its just another day (with the notable acceptation that we don't generally have to work on it, I will admit.)

As such,  by waiting until the 1st of the year, you are merely practicing procrastination, and - as such merely increasing the chance that you will abandon your life affecting resolution, leaving it until another 'magic' 1st of the 1st comes along.

Those who give up cigarettes, booze, swearing or fried food should want to give it up and do it. The date is irrelevant.

And that my friends is why I do not approve of new years resolutions.

Rant over.