Happy 1997 to the Prowler's faithful readers! Thanks for following this cat's wanderings (literal and figurative!) over the past year. Now that a new year has begun, have you made any resolutions? Even worse, have you broken any yet?
This cat used to take pen in paw and scribble a yearlong "to do and improve" list, but most of the goals did not come to fruition and were relegated to the litterbox. To save yourself from similar aggravation, here's a helpful hint: Don't set yourself up with unrealistic or idealistic goals, or you'll only feel like kicking yourself later.
Losing weight is a fine goal, but if you make that resolution, take the amount you think you should lose and divide by half. That way, you're still following through, but you won't have to struggle so long over that first hurdle. Once you've reached the first weight goal, you'll be more into the swing of your new eating and exercising regimen, so you'll find it even easier to keep on losing weight.
Instead of vowing this is the year you'll find that perfect significant other, give yourself a goal over which you have at least some control. Promise yourself you'll be more social: Check out new dance or comedy clubs, arrange group outings (it's always more fun if you help with planning), join a computer bulletin board or a hobby club, or make sure you talk with a few new people each time you attend a party. The more people you meet, the better your chances of finding Mr./Ms. Right.
And of course, there's the hope (actually a pipe dream for most of us) of being rich and famous. Instead, remember that giving can be just as exciting and rewarding as getting. If you're fortunate enough to have some free time, why not volunteer with a service club, charitable organization, hospital or school? You'll be rich in admiration and compliments, and famous to those whose lives you touch.
This article appeared in the Los Gatos Weekly-Times, January 8, 1997.
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