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Overrated is an understatement! Seriously, what is with people and New Year resolutions? You’d think that they would be used to setting goals by now and not wait for one day in a year but no! That’s just it. Why wait for one day to set goals when you have everyday to do that? I don’t think there is anything wrong with creating goals on a certain date but candidly I think the best day to pick is today and only today. Why push off for another day what you can probably do today? Besides, New Years resolutions are more like myths now because people forget about them as fast as they make them. Okay, don’t get me wrong but not many people make resolutions and actually stick to them. How many smokers are still clogging their lungs with smoke after years of resolutions? I know many! And that’s fine. Just don’t make resolutions you are very well sure you won’t live up to. That is why the day to day routine works best. The problem with making resolutions based on a specific day is that it takes you out the immediacy of the day. It is imperative to remember the importance of today as everything else comes secondary. Look into the day and see what you can do to move towards the goals you want to achieve rather than look to make long (usually intimidating) lists for the New Year. This means that if there is something you want to do or change about your life now is the time to do it. Even if it’s just little baby steps, you will get there eventually. Say it’s a diet, why not start at the time it hit your mind? Get off the calories and start the process to a happier, healthier you. By the time the New Year starts, you’ll be well on your way. The way I see it, New Years resolutions are just wishful thinking. Anyone determined to do something doesn’t have to wait for a certain date to do it. If it’s a car, sure all the money can’t pop at once, I know that but how about making deposits? Or even a car loan? That’s a start. The moment you realize that you want a car, is the moment you start doing something about it. I’m not saying people should not make them. Make them but don’t wait for the start of the year to act upon them. Everyday find a way to do something that will bring you closer to your goal. That way, you’ll be saving time and possible energy. It will also give you room for other minor goals you might want to accomplish as well. Nothing kills a resolution like an over-the-top one. That’s another reason these things backfire. People tend to set goals that are way out of their reach. I know we are always advised to dream big but even big has its limits. You are supposed to set goals within reason; something you can actually see yourself doing. Ridiculous notions of visiting the moon or mars are exactly what shouldn’t be there unless it’s on your bucket list! Life’s too short to be waiting on certain dates to fulfill our dreams. So whatever you have to do, do it at the time and use the New Year to continue with that dream. Have a wonderful New Year! rachelgaruka@yahoo.co.uk