Last week I was reading the “Top Five Resolutions for 2012” online somewhere and realized I couldn’t remember the last time I’ve actually set a resolution. Or even a goal for that matter.

And now I’m wondering why not? It’s a chance to shake off the last year and start fresh! It’s an opportunity to look forward to what’s next, to accomplish something, to make my life better. So what’s my problem?

My gut tells me I have three problems, and I have a hunch I’m not alone.

1. I’m cynical
   I’ve been here before…making resolutions. Resolutely resolving to be different this year. To break the bad habits and create good ones. To be better than I was, to commit to an idea longer than a few months. To make good on my promises. Only to break them and fail miserably, now not only having to deal with the sting of failure, but the guilt of it. Do I really want to endure the bad feelings again?
2. I’m afraid of commitment
   Wait a second, the resolution lasts for a whole year? I don’t know…that’s a long time. Maybe I’ll try it out for a couple weeks and see how it goes. Or better yet, maybe I’ll work up to it…think about it for a few months and then slowly engage in my resolution mid-summer. You know, when I know better what’s in store for the year.
3. I’m used to instant gratification
   Let’s be honest, we’re more Mr. Noodles than “make it from scratch” people these days. OK, well at least I am. And resolutions are a lot of work! Breaking a bad habit? That takes at least a month. Maybe more! And keeping resolutions? That’s hard work! And it’s thankless! And boring! Maybe if resolutions paid off quicker I’d be more motivated to make them.

While these aren’t really compelling reasons to avoid making life changes, they seem to be the excuses I use year after year. Even though I know better.

Realistically, the new year is a perfect time to make a change. This is because Christmastime often sets our minds and hearts back on track. We think of the reason we’re all here, the incredible sacrifice Christ made on our behalf, and then we compare it with the way we’ve lived for the past 12 months. Sobering. And then we feel fresh inspiration to live our life more meaningfully. With more gratitude. And with less excuses.

Maybe there is something to this whole resolution thing.