If you’re really looking to make change in 2008, first consider why the man-made constructs of time are so important. Why are we waiting until Monday? Why are we waiting as a society for that Camelot wrapped up in the date of January 1st?
Sure, we’re a sucker of a nation for traditions. We love to turn over a new leaf. We adore change and new beginnings–but only when they’re sanctioned by Jenny Craig, Hallmark, or calendars.
Who’s to say that the person who begins on January 1 is more successful than the person who made a small change on December 23 at 4:30 pm? I mean come on–24 hours of progress doesn’t care if it began at midnight in Times’ Square on January 1st or at 3:13 pm on a Thursday afternoon.
People lead up to resolutions with all or nothing binge-fests. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to cut back on the nosh, or will try to wear cute shoes in the New Year. The person who looks at New Year’s Resolutions is setting oneself up for a famine of some sort. You’re going to suffer, man! It’s part of the game! So what happens for the week (or month) prior to the ‘big event’ wherefore angels fall out of the heaven and attach themselves to the plucky chords of your spinal column to make heavenly harp music? You go nucking futs! You act in the complete antithesis to the behavior you believe you will emulate to perfection come January 1. You become utterly porcine, whether it’s rolling in alcohol, cigarettes, food, or tennis shoes. It’s as though the last supper opens up the floodgates to debauchery in terms of behavior, whereby we are meant to revile ourselves for the feasting and become saintly because of the man-made constructs of sanity and modicums of behavior.
Ridiculous! New Year’s is a schlock, manufactured by companies that want your money. Remember this, be sane, and hold onto your money. Don’t fall for the advertising gimmicks. Keep your head. Celebrate your inner sloth and make it work for you.
Read and subscribe and stick with me while we work through why tradition tends to overcome common sense in terms of healthy lifestyles.
Moreover, be who you are, and stop trying to conform to a nation of prepossessed ‘make beauty time’ attitudes.
This is for your health, not singularly for your kneecaps in gogo boots. Yeah, the gogo boots are the side effect to health; but as anyone will tell you, death may look hot in gogo boots, but you can’t take ’em with you.
Great post – this is my philosophy exactly! I just started a weight loss challenge with another blogging friend on Friday, so that I can get in the habit of going to the gym BEFORE January 1st. I’ve fallen out of the working out habit lately, and I think if I wait till January 1st, I’ll just get discouraged when the gym is full and I can’t get to the equipment I need.
Outstanding philosophy! *fist bump* Honestly, butt sweat on a gym bike seat is no more magical that butt sweat on a gym bike any other day of the year.
There’s some serious martyr going on after December 31.
It’s like Black Friday for gym butt sweat in terms of fighting for spots with everyone who bought well-meaning memberships and will cause a jam-up in equipment use for the next three weeks.
Great Post! I agree wholeheartedly!
Hi Jamie.Author Lisa Scottoline lives in my area and writes for the local Philly paper. Her column yesterday was about not making resolutions about all the negative things she wants to change but resolving to do all the things she loves to do.
And I am on Day 3 of being good to me 🙂
but as anyone will tell you, death may look hot in gogo boots, but you can’t take ’em with you.
My thoughts exactly! Or something. 🙂 You never cease to communicate your ideas in an entertaining way, Jamie. It’s a gift!
Great post!
I’ve never understood the big wonk about Jan. 1st either. Improve your life now, not on some random day on the calendar.
I started low carb on the day before Mother’s Day. It suck and was the best thing I ever did.
I disagree. I think traditions are nice. The New Year is a time to have a fresh start. So what if you do not meet all your goals?
I plan to make about 49 resolutions and will be happy meeting one of them!
hope it works for you this year Jamie! I am cheering for you
again!
Happy New Year, fiddle, ew, Lauren, Amy and Bob!
I appreciate your comments and am smiling as I caffeinate!
Here is to a great 2009!