Have you made any resolutions for the New Year? Research shows that half of adults make resolutions.
In terms of whether they adhere to their resolutions, the same study found that 75 percent of them succeed over a period of more than a week, 70 percent for two weeks and 64 percent succeed in doing well for more than one month. After that, it falls by 46 percent those who stick to their New Year’s Resolutions six months.
Are you one of the most popular? These are for losing weight, quit smoking cigarettes and stick to an established budget, make more money, secure the best job, get more organized, workout more, show more patience in your work environment and with people around you Eat better and improve your character.
Have you ever wondered how the custom began? According to some historians, it started at the time of the Babylonians who flourished prior to the advent of Christ. It is also believed that the first Christians following Christ’s ascension believed that that the day before the year ought to be spent reflecting on the mistakes of the past and making resolutions to make improvements during the coming year.
Someone once stated, “A New Year’s resolution is something that happens into one year and out of the next.” A different anonymous source wrote this idea “Many people are looking forward to the beginning of a new year to get the chance to make a fresh start with their routines that they have been following for years.” A friend from college recently wrote to Facebook, “My 2024 New Year’s Resolution ….I will not take the sorrow of the day after tomorrow.”
American naturalist writer John Burroughs remarked, “One resolution I’ve made, and strive to always keep is this one: to be above the smallest things.”
Jonathan Edwards, the well-known 18th century minister was a minister in the 18th century who sat down when he was 17 and composed his resolutions for 1722. Later, he expanded his list to 70 resolutions, which were his personal resolutions to follow.
Edwards said, “Being sensible that I cannot accomplish anything without the help of God and assistance, I humbly request God’s grace to allow me to follow these resolutions as long as they’re in line with His will in the name of Christ.” He then took a vow to himself “Remember to review these resolutions every week.”
The first 21 items on this list is a resolution that we should keep. “Resolved not to be lost in a moment and to make it better in the most profit-making way that I could. I am determined to live fully in the time I live my life. Resolution: Never to commit any act that I’d be scared to do if it were the end in my existence. It was resolved not to commit any act in retribution.”
There are many passages of scripture within the Bible that could be good resolutions. For instance, I would like to live my life by Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust to God the Lord completely and not rely on your own wisdom and in all your choices be faithful to Him, and He will guide your steps.”
Keep in mind these words by Benjamin Franklin throughout this year, “Resolve to perform what you must do; complete with aplomb what you have resolved to do.” Henry Moore, one of the most famous sculptors, might have thought of the most effective way to maintain New Year’s Resolutions. He declared, “I think in terms of resolutions for the day and not the year’s.” Therefore, take each day one at one day at a time.
-” Jan White has compiled a collection of her columnists in her book “Everyday Faith for Daily Life.”
The article COLUMN Resolutions for the New Year made by famous celebrities was first published at The Andalusia Star-News.
