December 31

True Resolutions

Everyone jokes about New Year's resolutions because no one keeps them. Some people say: I will never take another drink, or I will never shoot dope again. The common denominator of failed resolutions is that they invariably include the word never, or they are made for a longer time than most can manage. The ideal time for human resolve is one day -- maybe even only an hour or less. This applies to other addictions such as gambling or food and other behavior: I can be courteous today. I can avoid responding in anger today. Our resolutions can last, if we make them for just one day at a time.