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New Years Resolutions - An Engineering Approach

Hugh Pickens writes "Four out of five people who make New Year's resolutions will eventually break them and a third won't even make it to the end of January says the NY Times. But experts say the real problem is that people make the wrong resolutions. The typical resolution often reflects a general desire. To engineer better behavior, it is more productive to focus on a specific goal. '"Many clients make broad resolutions, but I advise them to focus the goals so that they are not overwhelmed," says Lisa R. Young. "Small and tangible one-day-at-a-time goals work best."' Here are some resolutions that experts say can work: To lose weight, resolve to split an entree with your dining partner when dining out. To improve your fitness, wear a pedometer and monitor your daily activity. To improve family life, resolve to play with your kids at least one extra day a week. To improve your marriage, find a new activity you and your spouse both enjoy such as taking a pottery class. On a lighter note: What was Steve Jobs' New Year's Resolution?"

5 of 144 comments (clear)

  1. Steve Job's New Years resolution by elrous0 · · Score: 5, Funny

    The same resolution he makes every year, Pinky. TRY TO TAKE OVER THE WORLD!

    --
    SJW: Someone who has run out of real oppression, and has to fake it.
  2. Steve Jobs' New Year's Resolution by niceone · · Score: 5, Funny
    I'm guessing 2560 x 1600.

    To lose weight, resolve to split an entree with your dining partner when dining out.
    Loose weight and look cheap at the same time, woohoo!
    1. Re:Steve Jobs' New Year's Resolution by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      I resolve to teach slashdotters how to spell "lose".

  3. myminicity by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Kill anyone I meet who has a myminicity account.

  4. Re:Talk to to a woman by yndrd1984 · · Score: 5, Funny
    talk to a woman this year

    Speak for yourself - I call my mom every week!

    Oh, you meant a ... woman woman ... sorry.