New Year’s Resolutions

By Reviewing Last Year
It’s half-past winter holidays! By this time, many have been reflecting on the past year. Have you been thinking of times spend with family, friends, and yes, pets? At the beginning of a new year, we remember favorite places, embarrassing moments, and maybe plan for this new year.

Setting Goals
Whether or not you have made an official New Year’s resolution, reviewing the past year and thinking on goals for the next is a good habit. Successful planners set achievable goals, include at least one other person for encouragement, and take on only what is manageable.

Statisticians claim less than 9% of people keep their New Year’s resolutions and 80% fail by February! So, why bother making resolutions? Consider creating flexible plans with goals instead. Then evaluate what is needed to reach those goals. Most people fail because they lack a willingness to follow through. What about you? Are you feeling tenacious?

Brainstorming
Here’s a few catalyst ideas you may not find other places:

  1. Relations: Relationships require care. Get organized, change your mind if needed, and enjoy time with your pet.
  2. Reading: Read to your Pet! Stated in previous articles, this bonds you and your pet while aiding literacy.
  3. Respect: Train your pet. People may be polite but often don’t enjoy being pounced on by your pet.
  4. Research: Gain knowledge about your pet’s disposition, breed, mode of communication, training techniques, and so forth.
  5. Responsibility: If you promised to feed, bathe, brush, clean up after, walk, and hug your pet, do it! This is a great way to practice the life skill of Follow Through (INTEGRITY) which will benefit your whole family now, and you, in years to come.

Looking to the Future
IF you must make a resolution:
•     RESOLVE TO DREAM
•     RESOLVE TO LIVE WITH PURPOSE, TAKING NEW CHALLENGES ONE AT A TIME
•     RESOLVE TO BE MINDFUL IN THE MOMENTS OF LIFE, APPRECIATING OTHERS

May you, your family and beloved furry friends have a tremendous year!


C.A. Ritz ~ Author and Illustrator  •
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