Why is it difficult to keep New Year resolutions?

Hi Chris,

I hate New Year's Resolutions, especially since it is only a few weeks before I have slipped back into old habits.

But there is something about the Christmas break that makes me want to improve myself. Is there anything that a middle-aged married woman can do that will stick?

Better Resolutions

Chris says,

Hi, Better Resolutions!

The best resolutions are simple. Like setting aside time to read. Or smiling more. Or being kinder to other drivers, however stupidly they are behaving! Things like that may seem trivial, but they make a big difference, and you will be surprised at how good you feel about them.

Or what about deciding to improve your married life? If you and your husband are so busy you are rarely together, organise things so you can relax together more often. And say 'I Love You' several times a day. Give him more compliments, and find more ways to show your affection for one another.

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Resolve to keep your sense of humour through everything. And not to over-schedule your days, so you have time for each other. Ask yourself whether you listen to each other. Are you as emotionally close as you should be?

Resolve to accept your husband for what he is. Do the same for yourself! Accepting yourself as you are, and your partner is the way to true contentment in your relationship.

Or what about resolving to understand your own emotions better?

Because it is your emotions that create the sense of direction and purpose in your life. So learn how your moods depend on what you are doing, how they affect those around you, how to increase your awareness of the emotions of the people you interact with, how to read social situations and figure out what is likely to happen next.

It will make a big difference to your marriage and your career. You will also find that you become more optimistic, and better able to restrain anger and self-doubt.

So do not just make the same resolutions as everyone else. Use the holiday to think of one that might change your life.

All the best,

Chris