Oh yes, it is the new year and time to dust off the cobwebs and start with a clean slate.  I have never really been one to make resolutions, but rather I like to reflect on the last year and make mental goals for the new year.  Nothing formal, just a road map for the year or two ahead.

This year I have set a goal with which I am now going public.  Between now and my birthday in August, I need to get healthy.  I must get back in an exercise routine and be more thoughtful about what I put in my mouth.

A couple of years ago, I gave up sodas. When I was younger, I drank 3 or 4 Dr. Peppers a day.  Every now and then I will drink a soda, but they just don’t taste that great any longer.

I don’t eat much prepackaged foods, so I have a pretty good running start on eating healthy.  But, there is much more work I can do in this arena.  I want to learn more about nutrition (as an academic, I seem to start any new projects with research).

There is nothing magic about January 1 for setting resolutions.  Any point in time will work, such as a birthday.  What is important is that we have goals in life.  Remember the quote from Lewis Carrol in Alice in Wonderland, “If you don’t know where you are going, any road will take you there.”  Well, I like to know where I am going.

Do you make New Year’s resolutions each year?   Are you good about sticking to them?  If not, when do you tend to fall off the bandwagon?

If you make resolutions, good luck sticking to your goals!  I hope you are successful!  Remember to set reminders, set yourself up for success, and measure your improvements along the way!  Celebrate each milestone!  This is our year!

Please share your resolutions with me.  Maybe we can hold each other accountable!