5 New Year's Resolutions Not to Make for 2012
There's nothing wrong with engaging in a little self-improvement at the beginning of a new year. Recently, however, scientists have been claiming not only that people aren't likely to keep their New Year's resolutions, but that even making resolutions can be bad for you. It turns out that many people make New Year's resolutions with the intention of breaking them right away, so a resolution to quit smoking may actually be an acknowledgement that you have no intention of quitting. While people may not agree that resolutions like quitting smoking and eating healthier are good for you in the long run, there are a couple of resolutions you may be tempted to make that were never a good idea to begin with.
Do not Resolve to get Back Together with your Ex
You probably did not even share this resolution with your friends because you didn't want to have to listen to them groan in frustration. You and your ex split for a reason. Stop idealizing your past and move on.
Do not Resolve to Take up an Expensive Hobby
Hobbies are good for you. Learning a fun new activity can relieve stress, help you to meet new people, and improve your sense of self worth. Not every hobby is a fantastic idea, though. Don't commit yourself to learning anything that you need to buy a ton of stuff just to try, like scuba diving, unless you're flush with cash. If it turns out you hate the new hobby, you've wasted your money on equipment. If it turns out that you love the new hobby, you're only going to be tempted to start booking scuba trips to the Caribbean.
Do not Resolve to Join a Gym
It's no secret that gyms get most of their new memberships in January, when people are committing to new workout routines. Resolving to get in shape this year is a great idea, but wait until March to buy your gym membership. Once everyone else who made the same resolution has given up and the gym is empty again, membership salespeople are more likely to offer you an attractive deal.
Do not Resolve not to be a Work Horse
Being a workaholic may be hard on you and your family, but you're probably going to have to keep your nose to the grindstone until the economy stabilizes. There are plenty of unemployed people who would love to take your job, so now is probably not the ideal time for you to slack off. Instead, resolve to be more organized so that you can spend less time completing more tasks.
Do not Resolve to go Back to School
If you dropped out of high school to raise your children and now you finally have the opportunity to pursue your dreams, then by all means, go back to school. If you happen to be unemployed, though, and you think that getting a law degree is the ticket to financial stability, think again. A degree is no longer a guarantee that you are going to get a job and continuing education may put you in serious debt.
