The beginning of a new year is the time when people often make resolutions.  These resolutions are essentially a commitment to do something better than we have done in the past.

These resolutions are typically things like eating less or exercising more.

Such resolutions usually are short-term goals that can be personal, spiritual, professional or social in nature.  Whatever the case, New Year’s resolutions are a great way to focus on a specific goal or area for improvement in the coming months.

New Year’s resolutions should not be confused, however, with core values.  Resolutions identify what we want to do, while our core values define who we are.

Our “resolutions” that are stated at the beginning of each year are often broken within a short amount of time. Our core values, however, are unchanging over time and permeate through all that we do on a continual basis.  The goal of New Year’s resolutions is to develop habits that, through practice, become our core values.

Among our core values should be a commitment to honesty and integrity in all that we do.  We should be committed to being fierce competitors in all aspects of our lives.

We should respect our elders, love our family, and worship our God. If these are not defining characteristics of who we are, then perhaps they represent a good place to start this New Year.

As we consider other resolutions for 2016, improving our physical, mental, social and spiritual health should be at the top our lists. We should be committed to community involvement and instilling a sense of local pride in our youth.

But perhaps the most simple and worthy resolution can be found in the words of Helen Keller:  “Your success and happiness lies within you.  Resolve to keep happy!”

As you look forward to 2016, always remember that the New Year will be like the old one if you keep on doing the same old things. Resolve to be better!

Happy New Year!

 

Dr. Kenneth Varner serves as supertintendent for the Brewton City School System.