New Years Not-A-Resolution

New Years is just around the corner, and, as I have done for a number of years, I planned on boycotting New Years resolutions: “Lose ten pounds,” “Read all Charles Dickens,” “Run ten miles,” “Walk on water.” These over-zealous, unobtainable, hypothetical oaths that we force ourselves to make in the heat of the confetti cause only more mental damage and guilt by January. I am funny about “resolving” myself to things so I usually avoid as much “do it because you said you would” pressure as possible, especially coming from myself. There is no logical reason I should obligate myself to achieve some random goal I made up just because it is a new year.

Living happily with my uncommitted lifestyle, I happened upon an article in a Martha Stewart magazine featuring various people’s New Years resolutions. The title of the article was “What is on your not to-do list for 2009?” Some people wrote that they would not do office work on Sundays and others said that they will not freak out over the economy. However, the one that caught my eye was by Sarah Bartlett from the little state of Rhode Island:

“I won’t overcommit. I have weeded out all the things I have felt obliged to do in the past and have decided to participate only in the volunteering, social, and family activities that I truly want to do.”

Suddenly, this list of things “not to do” struck me as brilliant. Instead of adding another thing to do on my to-do list, I realized that I could resolve to not commit to another impractical goal. Like a double negative, it leads in the end to a positive, to freedom. I resolve not to worry about what I will be when I grow up, but just live and enjoy where I am. I resolve to not be self conscience. I resolve to not be a brilliant writer, so I will not give up when I write crappy things. I resolve to not freak out when I screw up, that way when I do, I will be achieving my resolution.

No doubt the well seasoned New Years Resoluters would say this is actually defeating the purpose, but I suggest you try it before assuming it counter productive. Let all the Type A people of the world take a year off and create a resolution not to do something. Don’t be surprised if you feel the euphoric freedom of un-obligating yourself and just be human.