Make some, break some

Every New Year we make resolutions. Here’s a list of resolutions that are forgotten the very next day...Happy New Year!

Learn something new:

At the start of a new year, if this is what you have to say, then let’s just say you have learnt nothing so far. Don’t make claims. Irrespective of whether or not you write this down as a resolution, you will learn something every day including the fact that you do not need to put that down.

I will study regularly:

The major flaw with this one is the word ‘regularly’. It is vague and not specific. That is the beginning of the problem. You tend to postpone your study time by a few minutes or a few hours or by a day…Until finally, you do not sit down to study ‘regularly’.

I will try to keep the environment clean: Did you just say that? Isn’t it your duty and responsibility? If you think this is not your duty, then think again. Putting this down as a resolution may reveal that you’ve not been keeping the environment clean.

I will smile more:

I dare you to write this one. And that’s because it’s just plain jinxed. Sample this, you write it out and even before the ink is dry you will either get shouted at, or asked to do some chore you have been putting off, or you remember that homework and there goes your smile…up, up and away.

I will not fight or lose my temper:

Now this one is tricky. Making tall claims will always get you into trouble because you are human and you will react. And this one will not allow taking action where necessary even when someone is out to irritate you. So it’s a straight no-no.

I will spend less time in front of my computer:

By the time you have written out your list, you feel you have earned yourself one game or the time to read one story or to say hi to your friend…But then you complete one level that puts you ahead of your competition and you cannot stop! So, do you see why this one would fail you?

Make another list just in case the first list fails:

This is probably one of the best. You are already convinced that your earlier list is unachievable. So, you have a standby ready. And yet another list in case if the second one also does not work.

I will wake up early in the morning:

Really? What do you mean when you say ‘early’? If you really mean it you will set a time like 6 O’ clock or 7 O’ clock. Now, you mean business.

I will exercise every evening:

You are so busy trying to wake up early that you have no time for anything else. Evenings pass you by in a jiffy with all that homework, cartoons and dinner. You will be too tired to exercise. Try and fit your work-out in the mornings while you are still high on the energy.

I will follow my New Year resolutions:

When you have written this one you will know why you should not have done so in the first place. Living up to one resolution is a challenge. Now, imagine trying to follow everything on your list. And need we tell you why this one doesn’t ever get done?

Easier and happy

Wear yellow socks because it makes you happy

Eat a piece of cake once a week

Eat fruits because you love them

Talk to your pet

Illustrations: K.G. Rangarajan