Ancient traditions for the future
Alx George
The Commuter
New Year’s resolutions are nothing new. The tradition of making goals for self-improvement started around Babylonian times (as far as we can tell) to bring about favor from the gods. During the time of Julius Caesar, the Romans would give each other gifts of sacred branches that would bring them good fortune. And like the Babylonians, they would also make promises of good conduct to their gods.
Today, Americans make similar promises of improved behavior to themselves, their friends and family, and even God. Albrecht Powell of About.com provides us with a compiled list of the Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions (if your resolution is one or several of these, some classes/activities that would help are listed):
1. Spend more time with family and friends
Social and Individual Health Determinants (HE 225)
2. Get fit
Body Conditioning (PE 185G)
3.Lose weight
Jogging (PE 185P)
4. Quit smoking
Lifetime Health and Fitness (PE 231)
5. Enjoy life more
Turning Point Transitions (9.983A)
6. Quit drinking
Lifetime Health and Fitness (PE 231)
7. Get out of debt
Financial Future (0.667)
8. Learn something new
Any class you’ve never taken before
9. Help others
Pick up trash around campus
10. Get organized
Get Organized (0.446A)
While these goals are great, very few people actually achieve them. With this in mind, professor Cindy Falk includes a section on making and obtaining achievable goals in course HE225, Social & Individual Determinants of Health. The following suggestions will help you be more successful carrying out your New Year’s Resolutions:
1. Keep a diary of what you are doing and the progress you are making
2. Choose a buddy you can “report to”
3. Make a plan with achievable little goals that will help you accomplish the “big one”
4. Reward yourself at significant intervals (i.e., after conquering a little goal)
5. Make constant, continual, and conscious effort
