12 percent

I'm oddly superstitious in certain instances.  I don't carry a rabbits foot, or own a lucky penny, but come to hockey playoffs I wear the same jersey or t-shirt until the PENS lose, and on New Year's day I always have my bite of sauerkraut.  Along with superstitions or common reoccurring things we do on New Year's, comes New Year's resolutions.  According to infoplease.com "It is believed that the Babylonians were the first to make New Year's resolutions, and people all over the world have been breaking them ever since. (1) "  Not that I'm claiming this is where they originated, but my brief research found that New Year's resolutions have been around for a long time.  
 
A study discussed on Quirkology.com tracked people who set New Year's resolutions in 2007.  They found that "52% of participants were confident of success. One year later, only 12% actually achieved their goal. (2)"  Not the greatest statistic.  The study found that men actually achieved their goals more often then women.  It also reveals reasons why some are more successful then others.  I encourage you to check out the article if you're a New Year's Resolution setter, but here's the basic points they make:
 
1.Make Only One Resolution 
2. Plan ahead 
3. Avoid previous resolutions 
4. Be specific

For Men: Set S.M.A.R.T goals and Carrot not stick
For Women: Go public and Be persistent
 
In the past I've set some New Year's resolutions and I can't even recall what they were.  I was of the greater majority that didn't achieve my goal of working out more last year!  I lasted about a month or so at going to the gym!  This year though, I plan to be in that 12%.  I'm confident I will be for a few reasons.  First and foremost I don't consider my resolutions to be that, instead I'm calling them goals.  Goals to me sound more definite and concrete.  So without further delay, I'll take the recommended point of going public with your resolutions and reveal what I WILL accomplish in 2011.
 
1.  Run a half-marathon.  This is a big one since I've only ever run 5k's.  I'm thinking this topic will be something that comes up in the coming year in this blog!
2.  Try new things. While this is very broad, I've already identified specifics, but am keeping it broad to encompass both professional and personal me.  One example is I intend to try new foods.  I'm a VERY picky eater... the problem with that statement is I haven't tried a lot of foods, I just don't like the thought of trying them!  This will change in 2011.
3. Be better at everything.  Again, very broad, but I have the specifics!  Personally I intend to work on my patiences.  I've already got a jump start on this since my niece received Lego's from Santa!  I never had Lego's as a kid... there was a reason why!  Professionally one thing I plan to work on is being concise.  
4. Find luck. ... no comments really necessary right?!
 
I wish everyone a happy and successful 2011, and may the year be always improving and better than 2010!
 
*Random hockey side note: I tried to abbreviate New Year's resolution as NYR so I wouldn't have to write it out so many times and all I could think when I read each sentence was New York Rangers.


1. http://www.infoplease.com/spot/newyearcelebrations.html#ixzz19p07Y4bt
2. http://www.quirkology.com/UK/Experiment_resolution.shtml