With New Year’s Day behind us, many individuals are left to navigate the resolutions they set just days ago. Remarkably, only thirty percent of Americans now venture to make New Year’s resolutions, with the youth of ages 19-29 taking the lead at forty-nine percent. Conversely, the older population—particularly those sixty-five and older—are least likely to participate, with only eighteen percent taking part.
Health, finances, relationships, and career aspirations rank as the most common focal points for resolutions. So, how enduring are these commitments? It turns out, after one month has passed, upward of eighty-seven percent of people still manage to keep some semblance of their resolutions. Yet, the reality becomes grimmer; merely one percent of surveyed individuals maintain their resolutions consistently for eleven entire months. One amusing aspect of this phenomenon is “Quitter’s Day,” celebrated on the second Friday of January—January 10 this year—providing the perfect excuse to let go of those ambitious commitments without guilt. Likewise, there’s “Ditch New Year’s Resolution Day” on January 17, where giving up becomes justified.
But, let’s not simply dwell on dropping resolutions. How can one brighten the somewhat dreary month of January? The time between early January, when schools reconvene, and the next holiday break might seem endless. For winter enthusiasts, Colorado’s winter sports, such as skiing, offer the perfect remedy. A childhood friend told me he enjoys discovering the various holidays celebrated across the globe during this time, and I was stunned to learn of fifty-six days observed throughout January, not including more notable occasions like Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the end of Hanukkah, or the Lunar New Year.
Among the quirky holidays highlighted are National Cream Puff Day and World Introvert Day—both on January 2—along with peculiar observances like National Opposite Day on January 25, which could certainly resonate with teenagers. The month also indulges our taste buds with National Bloody Mary Day on January 1 and National Brandy Alexander Day on January 31—very fitting as we seek warmth during these colder days. Additional mentions include January's designation as National Bread Machine Baking Month, National Oatmeal Month, and National Soup Month. Who doesn’t love comfort food during the winter?
Indeed, these various observances may trickle life back to the month of January, shedding light on the myriad ways to bring cheer to what might otherwise be emotional gloom. Not to forget, for those residing near Alamosa, excitement awaits with the Rio Frio event occurring from January 24-26, featuring activities such as the 5K ice run, polar plunge, and the Fire and Ice Bonfire downtown—all perfect distractions from winter's grasp.
Reflecting on how to cultivate resolutions likely to last longer than the traditional months, experts offer some worthwhile suggestions. First, any commitment made should be realistic. Selecting simple yet impactful alterations, like incorporating one vegetable per day (excluding fries), makes adherence much easier. Establishing measurable goals is key; “I will exercise more” doesn’t suffice. A more specific commitment, such as walking around the block three times weekly, increases accountability.
Lastly, engagement matters—select activities you genuinely enjoy! If walking is preferred over jogging, set achievable walking goals. Tracking progress doesn’t just serve as motivation but also highlights personal achievements. Maintaining gratitude alongside your journaling can provide additional positive reinforcement—acknowledging what you have done well may help to keep spirits high.
The comedic commentary surrounding New Year’s resolutions doesn’t go unnoticed either. References to health shows filled with advertisements for various medications serve as both humorous and startling reminders of societal pressures to remain on top of personal health. One writer quipped about their own whimsical resolution, vowing to embrace more of those late-night advertised remedies. With catchy taglines and humorous disclaimers, these commercials humorously exaggerate their warnings, providing laughter amid the often-dour atmosphere of health concerns.
For example, “Sleep Like A Log” claims to be the sleep aid America swears by, but the companion disclaimer reminds users of the rare side effect: death. With levity, one can ponder, perhaps humorously, the value of such resolutions as the new year rolls on. So here's to making fun of our commitments and embracing January for what it brings—a mixture of challenges, joy, and perhaps, some cream puffs along the way!