The second Friday in January is known as "Quitter's Day", because that's when new year's resolutions usually fail. But you can be a winner! (With some help from science.)
For me, reading is a keystone habit (I guess a "recurring" new year's resolution if you will), but I often don't have the time, or struggle to find good books in a pinch. So, at the start of the year, I visit the Goodreads website and go through their Readers Choice awards. I select the books that seem the most interesting, then order them all from the local library. Many are available right away, and I request a hold for those that aren't. So, I get some books immediately, and the rest trickle in the coming months. Then, halfway through the year, I do this again - place another large "order". Now I have books trickling in throughout the year that I've researched in advance and know are good. Habit maintained. Not to mention, the cost is $0!
Thank you! My favorite book for 2024 was The Home for Unwanted Girls by Joanna Goodman. While a work of fiction, it hit home as a Canadian, learning about some of the gut wrenching ways orphan kids were likely treated in 1905s Quebec. I also enjoyed Savage Summit by Jennifer Jordan, the story of the first 5 women to climb K2.
What's really odd about this year is I did not make any resolutions and I always try to stick something in there at the end of the year. I quit smoking 20-some odd years ago through a new year's resolution and I think the I did it in the best way.
My resolution was that I would quit that year (20 years ago), not the first of January, not the 15th, but that year. So as the year went by, I knew I was on the track to quit. I got the patches ready (free in NYC), promised myself ten pounds was okay, and waited for a sign. On June 2nd I woke up in the middle of the night with a vicious dry cough, something I had avoided for twenty years of smoking. That day was my last day smoking. I smoked and when I went to bed I knew the next day would be it. It was. I haven't had a smoke in 25 years.
I appreciate your tips on how to change or lose habits. Trying to do and failing, repeatedly, is disheartening. I like the idea of adding something, rather than subtracting (I really should eat an apple a day and lose the cookies, but hell no on the latter.)
What an incredible story—quitting smoking like that is such an inspiring accomplishment! Also, I’m with you on the cookies! Some things are non-negotiable.
Years ago, I stopped making New Year's resolutions and chose a word that resonated with me. This year's word is conscious awareness. (I realize it's two words, but I wanted a word that captured being present and showing empathy simultaneously.) I'm a week into it, and it has proven to be the right word for me thus far.
I agree, Charles. Making adjustments fosters longevity and alleviates some of the pressure. Consistency is a powerful force—it’s bullish. Pushing forward through mental resistance often leads to breakthroughs, much like a marathon runner battling through cramps and fatigue. Similarly, a writer tackling difficult subjects may resist sitting down to write, yet their ideas linger in their mind, waiting to be expressed. The key is to adjust, persevere, and keep going.
Dry January, 11 days in, is not fun. I am an avid exerciser and my biggest motivation is the satisfaction of meeting a hard goal. I feel like I'm gritting my teeth through this thing and the 01 Feb finish line of having met the challenge is my reward.
It’s not fun now, but imagine how proud you’ll feel looking back on this! What made you decide to try Dry January in the first place? Maybe that’s your fuel to keep going.
For me, reading is a keystone habit (I guess a "recurring" new year's resolution if you will), but I often don't have the time, or struggle to find good books in a pinch. So, at the start of the year, I visit the Goodreads website and go through their Readers Choice awards. I select the books that seem the most interesting, then order them all from the local library. Many are available right away, and I request a hold for those that aren't. So, I get some books immediately, and the rest trickle in the coming months. Then, halfway through the year, I do this again - place another large "order". Now I have books trickling in throughout the year that I've researched in advance and know are good. Habit maintained. Not to mention, the cost is $0!
What an awesome idea! It’s such a smart way to keep your reading habit alive. What was your favorite book of 2024? (This isn’t a trap, I promise!)
Thank you! My favorite book for 2024 was The Home for Unwanted Girls by Joanna Goodman. While a work of fiction, it hit home as a Canadian, learning about some of the gut wrenching ways orphan kids were likely treated in 1905s Quebec. I also enjoyed Savage Summit by Jennifer Jordan, the story of the first 5 women to climb K2.
What's really odd about this year is I did not make any resolutions and I always try to stick something in there at the end of the year. I quit smoking 20-some odd years ago through a new year's resolution and I think the I did it in the best way.
My resolution was that I would quit that year (20 years ago), not the first of January, not the 15th, but that year. So as the year went by, I knew I was on the track to quit. I got the patches ready (free in NYC), promised myself ten pounds was okay, and waited for a sign. On June 2nd I woke up in the middle of the night with a vicious dry cough, something I had avoided for twenty years of smoking. That day was my last day smoking. I smoked and when I went to bed I knew the next day would be it. It was. I haven't had a smoke in 25 years.
I appreciate your tips on how to change or lose habits. Trying to do and failing, repeatedly, is disheartening. I like the idea of adding something, rather than subtracting (I really should eat an apple a day and lose the cookies, but hell no on the latter.)
What an incredible story—quitting smoking like that is such an inspiring accomplishment! Also, I’m with you on the cookies! Some things are non-negotiable.
Years ago, I stopped making New Year's resolutions and chose a word that resonated with me. This year's word is conscious awareness. (I realize it's two words, but I wanted a word that captured being present and showing empathy simultaneously.) I'm a week into it, and it has proven to be the right word for me thus far.
I agree, Charles. Making adjustments fosters longevity and alleviates some of the pressure. Consistency is a powerful force—it’s bullish. Pushing forward through mental resistance often leads to breakthroughs, much like a marathon runner battling through cramps and fatigue. Similarly, a writer tackling difficult subjects may resist sitting down to write, yet their ideas linger in their mind, waiting to be expressed. The key is to adjust, persevere, and keep going.
Dry January, 11 days in, is not fun. I am an avid exerciser and my biggest motivation is the satisfaction of meeting a hard goal. I feel like I'm gritting my teeth through this thing and the 01 Feb finish line of having met the challenge is my reward.
It’s not fun now, but imagine how proud you’ll feel looking back on this! What made you decide to try Dry January in the first place? Maybe that’s your fuel to keep going.
Just FYI, the benefits of Dry January are an average.
Very good article. My resolutions: cut sugar and scrolling.
Hi Charles…Nice summation of some of what works. Good to see you on here.
Happy New Years 🎊#keepblogging