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Ask HN: What's your new year resolution?

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Re: Ask HN: What's your new year resolution?

#3
post #2

And if you have one, why are you waiting until an arbitrary date to start?

If it's time-based (one year of XXX) it makes it very easy to remember.

I don't disagree with your notion, but I think a lot of people reflect on themselves and what they'd like to accomplish when the year is ending, set their goals, and it perpetuates itself.

Re: Ask HN: What's your new year resolution?

#9
post #2

And if you have one, why are you waiting until an arbitrary date to start?

Someone always has to say this, but it's a little bit tired.

A new year is not entirely "arbitrary". Sure – from the point of view of geology or global history, it's irrelevant. But it provides a very obvious psychological "clean slate" – a fresh start and obvious break. It usually provides a little holiday, some time spent with family, and an opportunity for reflection.

Yes, most resolutions fail. But people aren't perfect, and if we were all able to commit wholly to self-improvements at the drop of a hat, the world would probably be a much better place. Since we can't, I don't really see the harm in a little psychological boost once a year.

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