There are four more days until January 1st 2015, the day when at least one person you encounter will ask you: “So, do you have any resolutions for the year?” While that question can be somewhat annoying, I’m personally  giddy with excitement at the opportunity for a fresh start. I know, of course, that we can make a fresh start anytime in our lives. Still, it’s a ritual I enjoy.

Apparently, the history of making New Years resolutions comes from the ancient Babylonians who made promises to their gods at the start of each year saying that they would return borrowed objects and pay their debts. Similarly, the Romans began each year by making promises to the god Janus (after who the month January is named.) It’s funny how New Year’s resolutions have morphed from coming from a place of “giving” to now a place of “self” and “me.”

To me, New Year’s resolutions are the broad strokes changes/goals you want for your life and they’re relatively easy to decide on. The harder part is breaking them down in manageable mini-goals spread out over the course of the year. I like to come up with three or four goals or “resolutions” and then break them down into the “how” part, meaning when will you schedule this goal. Sometimes it helps to segment the year into quarters and break down the goal that way.

Here’s my first draft of my broad strokes resolutions:

• Write more
• Reach out to my professional contacts and send out my work more often (hope to land a manager or agent)
• Cook at home more
• Make my home more cozy and continue on my minimalist kick

What’s on your list? Or do you not believe in New Year’s Resolutions?