'June 1, 1770. Every man naturally persuades himself that he can keep his resolutions, nor is he convinced of his imbecility but by length of time and frequency of experiment[332]. This opinion of our own constancy is so prevalent, that we always despise him who suffers his general and settled purpose to be overpowered by an occasional desire. They, therefore, whom frequent failures have made desperate, cease to form resolutions; and they who are become cunning, do not tell them. Those who do not make them are very few, but of their effect little is perceived; for scarcely any man persists in a course of life planned by choice, but as he is restrained from deviation by some external power. He who may live as he will, seldom lives long in the observation of his own rules[333].'

Life of Johnson Vol_02 Page 32
James Boswell

Each year I only make one resolution and try very hard to keep it. I have over the years observed that it is easier to keep a resolution which is fixed, quantified, measurable. "Getting more (or enough) exercise" is too vague... there is no way to determine success, so failure is ever-present. However the year in which I decided to learn how to read music was a success (I also taught myself the recorder well enough to play duets). After looking at sacks of sketches and boxes of unfinished works back about '82 or '83 I decided to complete one signable piece of art a month. It didn't have to be a full painting, but it had to be DONE. ...And doing 2 one month didn't negate the need to finish one the next. I ended the year with 13 finished, signed works.

Some years have personal goals and some professional, but no year is wasted in which something, anything, is accomplished. Whether it is planting a garden, setting up a website, dealing with paperwork or grooming, entering an art show... there is something obvious and positive to point to, which helps counter the depression.

I haven't yet made my resolution for this year (I haven't joined the Procrastinator's Club, either). It might be to go back to holding my monthly Artist Tea Parties (hugs versus housework) and another Poser User's Party (I have enjoyed seeing folks ftf). Maybe it will be to catch up on the correspondence. Maybe it will be to take all these miles of files and actually make some art... possibly an image a month uploaded to the gallery. I have to think a bit more, but whatever it is, I'll try very, very hard to keep it.

Carolly

Message edited on: 01/01/2005 15:38

I don't make a New Year's resolution myself. But I do make them quite often during the course of the year. Most of them I accomplish at least to some degree. But a few of the biggies, like starting my own business, and paying off my mortgage before my taxes get so high that I can't afford to eat. Are still just out of my reach. -ScottA

I have made mine. It's funny that I'm reading this message at the time that I'm about to hold out on the resolution for the first time this year. Mine is to meditate daily for 1/2 hour. Until now I have been meditating about every other day. It's a huge help in finding clarity and peace. I find myself much less frustrated and answers come easier. Cheers, Joe

Last year I resolved to organize my runtimes. I've been only partly successful. I'm not good at keeping resolutions. :-P

Not sure if I'll even bother resolving anything this year. If I do, perhaps something like picking one item a month that I haven't used yet, free or purchased, and using it in an image. Or illustrating a scene from one of my favorite books, at least once a month.

In non-Poser realms...I'm going to try to get more sleep. I stay up way too late. And it will be a relatively easy resolution to keep. I hope.

I've been really good and stuck with the same resolution as last year... 1600x1200 ;)

Prikshatk: That's funny! LOL

:lay head on keyboard... and hope that the tears don't short it out:

Carolly, Are you kidding around or are you really that depressed? -ScottA

I think they are tears of laughter.