It has been said that a new year’s resolution is a frivolous commitment that should be incorporated into daily lifestyle improvement efforts, well before the calendars are switched over. Why not a constant renewal? If looked at with a positive energy and outlook, resolutions need not be mind boggling, but a simple goal to nudge your list of accomplishments for the coming year. In fact, let’s call them new year intentions!
The tradition of the New Year’s Resolution dates back to 153 B.C. when a mythical king of early Rome was placed at the head of the calendar. This mythical king, Janus, was the god of beginnings. January 1 became the beginning of the New Year in 46 B.C., when Julius Caesar developed a calendar that would more accurately reflect the seasons than previous calendars had. The Romans began a tradition of exchanging gifts on New Year’s Eve by giving one another branches from sacred trees for good fortune. So evolved the new year’s resolution. The tradition of the resolution, or intention, was informally explored in the Southern Maryland community.
A cross section of local industry leaders were polled in regards to their New Year goals. Intentions for a more prosperous new year were shared by high achievers across Southern Maryland. Charles Gibbons, CRPC is a Financial Advisor for Ameriprise Financial. Gibbons resolved to “Continue to serve as a trusted resource in helping my community make better financial and investment decisions”. In a slow economy, improved investment decision making efforts topped the list for a number of Southern Maryland respondents.
Personal aspirations were shared by business and community leaders alike. Project Manager for Spalding Consulting, Inc., Lisa Clark, noted that her resolutions in past have typically involved cooking. Ms. Clark is still ‘marinating’ her culinary intentions for 2011. Youth Soccer Coach, Eric Kerig plans to improve the scoring record in the coming Fall, for the Northern League Rec Plus team. One mom and household CEO shared with us that her intention is to “continue to avoid Perfect Mom Syndrome (PMS), do the best for our family and have a little adventure every day!” Dawn Carroll, Mom Manager for Carroll Party of Four, seems to have the right attitude for a prosperous and joyous new year!
Whether it be embracing social media, increasing quality time with family or better tracking tax write-offs in the coming year, additional resolutions for all types and entrepreneur spirits can be further studied here.
To complete the cornucopia of this new year examination, celebratory sentiments outside of Southern Maryland are shared below with new year greetings across the globe.
Brazilian: Boas Festas e Feliz Ano Novo means “Good Parties and Happy New Year”
Chinese: Chu Shen Tan
French: Bonne Annee
German: Prosit Neujahr
Hebrew: L’Shannah Tovah Tikatevu
Irish (Gaelic): Bliain nua fe mhaise dhuit
Italian: Buon Capodanno
Portuguese: Feliz Ano Novo
Russian: S Novim Godom
Spanish: Feliz Ano Neuvo or Prospero Ano Nuevo
Vietnamese: Cung-Chuc Tan-Xuan
Although the date for new year’s day is not the same in every culture, it is always a time for celebration and for customs to ensure good luck in the coming year. Wishing everyone good luck on positive intentions for 2011. A renewed spirit and hope for the coming year, is a common thread shared by communities in Southern Maryland and around the world. -xo
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