Resolve NOT to Have a New Years’ Resolution

By Amanda Pendolino on December 23rd, 2009

Lose weight. Floss more. Go green. Stop binge drinking. We all want to start off a new year (and this time, a new decade!) with goals for a new-and-improved you. But here’s a radical idea: maybe your New Years’ resolution for 2010 should be NOT to have any New Years’ resolutions.

I know, it sounds crazy, but stay with me. Imagine if you stopped comparing yourself to celebrities and seemingly-perfect friends. Imagine if you put that scale away and didn’t weigh yourself for a week, or a month, or ever. Imagine if you stopped thinking about the improved ideal if yourself and instead were satisfied with the way you are right now.

It’s good to have goals, and I certainly don’t want to stop anybody from flossing or recycling - but the endless road of self-improvement can actually be a self-destructive recipe for unhappiness. This year, resolve to be happy with yourself. Celebrate what you like instead of trying to “fix” what you don’t. Surround yourself with the things and people you love and maybe the positive energy will start sinking in.

2010 is going to be your year – but not because you finally lose those 15 pounds or get a boyfriend. It’s going to be your year because you already have everything you need to make it that way. Resolve not to have a resolution!