Sunday, January 31, 2010

Resolutions revisited

One month ago I wrote my blog entry, My 2010 resolutions.  While I think there is room for improvement, focusing on positive behaviors to incorporate into my daily routine has been easier than those resolutions that focus on eliminating bad behaviors.  At the end of December, I indicated that I was going to make a concerted effort to:
Smile at strangers and say "hello" or "good morning".  I've been fairly successful with this resolution.  I'm a one-man PR machine - debunking the myth that Bostonian are surly and unfriendly.  However, when the wind is howling and it is way below zero, I'm far less inclined to smile at anyone let alone say "hello" or "good morning". 

Mind my manners.  I give myself thumbs up, and this has been easy to do. I've noticed many appreciative smiles; esp. with opening doors.  Certainly there have been those who have ignored the gesture or not noticed the "please" and "thank you", but I'm still going to smile and say please - even if I'm the only one who notices.

Value my personal relationships.  This past month work has been very busy, and it is this third resolution that has challenged me the most, but I'm giving this my best effort.  I have spent time with friends and chatted with new acquaintences, but I promise to make more of an effort with this resolution moving forward.

Additional personal goals included focussing on my health by working out and being more selective about what and when I eat (I'm a late night snacker).  With these goals I have mixed feelings about my success.  Even in just the past four weeks since the start of 2010, I've had good and bad weeks. I'm not sure if making resolutions is still en vogue, but I'm curious if anyone else has been struggling with their resolutions or if 4-weeks later they are all but forgotten?

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

All sound like good resolutions. And I applaud you for trying to say "good morning" etc more often. I try to do the same, and while I know we all have bad days, there are just some people who are plain rude. There's a girl in the office where I work, and she simply refuses to acknowledge anyone--ever. Sometimes I'll find myself heading into the breakroom--in a perfectly good mood--and she'll be the only one in there. Before I realize it, I'm saying, "Hey!" in my most charming manner possible. Nothing. Nada. Maybe she's mute? Maybe she's like those guys on "Fringe" who only observe human actions? Hmmm, maybe one of my next resolutions will be to bitch-slap those who don't return my greetings. But I suppose that would be counterproductive...

Oh yeah, and I'm trying to find some exercise routine to keep me interested. I'm still working on that one.

Anonymous said...

Err, yes, I struggled with my resolutions on Day 1 !!!!! It's not easy :)