New Year Resolutions

OK, so here we are at the start of the new year. I would like to start this year right and I have been thinking about what my new year's resolution(s) should be.

There are a few prerequisites for making a good resolution. First, it should be important. Second it should be within your control. And third, it should be specific and doable. The whole idea of a new year's resolution is to create a new habit (or break an old bad habit). Usually a resolution will relate to improving your health, finances, or spiritual well being. Last year my resolution was to quit smoking and I finally succeeded! (Too bad I did not have the fortitude to break the habit when I was 20 years old!) The question is, what should by my resolution this year?

As far as my health goes, I am doing just about everything I can to take care of myself. The one thing Yoko wants me to do (that I am not currently doing) is regular aerobic exercise. (Golf doesn't count.) I am having a hard time committing to aerobic exercise (like running or jogging). I know I should do it, so perhaps using the treadmill for 20 minutes a day should be one of this year's resolutions?

As far as my finances go, I don't really have any great ideas. We don't have any debt (other than a mortgage, which I plan to keep.) The plan for 2008 is to continue to work, try to increase my income and save 15 - 20% of what I make. I would like to say I will spend less, but with medical bills, college expenses and a wedding coming up, I don't think spending less is in the cards for 2008! I have already committed to gifting $2,400 ($100 every two weeks) to the Morgan Stanley Foundation. They will match my gift and I can commit the full $4800 to the charity or charities of my choice. I wish I could do more.

In the spiritual realm there are lots of things I should do. Unfortunately I have become a little too cynical about organized religion. I don't have a deeply held belief, but I am inspired by the life example and teachings of Christ. I would like to try and be more Christ-like in the new year. Wouldn't it be great if I could inspire good in others by example or bear the trial ahead without complaint? I think if I strive to live like Christ, I will one day be welcomed into heaven. If there is no heaven, I won't know the difference.

One thing I am committed to doing is achieving more with my time. I have always wanted to write a book. I have decided to try and do that in the next year. I have a partially written screenplay on the life of Alexander Hamilton that I want to complete as well. This time next year I hope I can report to you that I have completed both!

The Japanese have a lot of expressions or sayings. One of my favorites is "you eat an elephant one bite at a time." What I need to remember in 2008 is that I can achieve whatever I set out to do if I can make a habit of doing a little bit every day. My new year's resolution will be to work at all these things one bite at a time.

I am looking forward to a great 2008 and wish for all my family and friends health, happiness and God's blessings throughout the new year!