Who is not overwhelmed by the prospect of making New Year’s resolutions? There seems to be something about the opportunity to change all that needs to be changed, never make another mistake from this point on, do everything better than ever before, that beckons us like a compulsion. If we don’t jump on the bandwagon, we are not taking our responsibility to heart. What if we simply make a resolution to do one thing that feels important this year.

Many years ago, actually, 46 ½ to be exact, our newborn second daughter, Emily, was two weeks old when we had friends visit. The wife was in fantastic shape, highlighting how out of shape I felt. She had begun a running program, or “jogging” as was the term, and it fit her like a glove. Although I was used to exercising, cardio was not in my vocabulary. I was not an athlete, why would I need cardio? I did, however, need to feel better about myself.

My closet offered very little in the way of anything I could run in, but I was determined. I brushed off an old pair of Keds, found a pair of shoelaces and went to the backyard to see if I could run around a bit. I expected nothing, believe me. But I did feel good once the pain in my chest abated. The next day, I ran around the backyard twice. Eventually, I ran races, prepped a friend for the New York Marathon (okay, I never ran it, but he did great!!!) and typically ran over 6 miles a day for 18 years.

The important thing is that I didn’t start to run 6 miles a day. I started running ten minutes, then fifteen, etc. My goals changed as I felt I wanted and could do more. That is what a resolution should be, in my opinion…make a plan that is achievable. Build from there. Don’t expect too much, but don’t stop if you want more. It feels good to be in charge of a resolution, not feel bad for not achieving it! Imagine how wonderful it will feel next New Year looking back and knowing the goal was met, not dismissed because it was simply too much!

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