Tehachapi News

New Year Resolutions

Ever wonder how the tradition of New Year's resolutions came about? Most of us probably don't give it a second thought...we just make them because it's fun and the American thing to do, right? But how many of them do we actually keep?

Tracking down the origin of this tradition was tough. We all agree that there is a New Year, even though we all don't celebrate it on January 1. Touted as the “oldest of all holidays,” this particular celebration actually was first observed in ancient Babylon about 4,000 years ago. And every country seems to have its own special way of celebrating the exit of the old and the entrance of the new.

Julius Caesar changed the New Year on the early Roman calendar from March 1 to January, a month named after Janus. Janus, a mythical king, was known as the god of gates, doors and new beginnings. He had two faces, one reflecting backwards on the past and one gazing forward to the future, the Romans believed. The custom of noise-making, also associated with the New Year, goes back to an ancient practice of using loud noise to drive away evil spirits. 

But what about the “resolution” part? Well, that's the really illusive part.

Fleeting references are made about resolutions on the New Year to return borrowed things, make self improvements etc. However, the making of formal resolutions reflects the more modern outlook of recognizing the control we have over our own lives and our own ability to change things. But there just doesn't seem to be any exact year or specific person to whom the custom of New Year's resolutions can be attributed.

As “moderns,” are we any more successful at controlling our bad habits by making our New Year's resolutions than the ancients were at dispelling demons by making loud noises with horns, bells and other devices? According to statistics, NO.

Why? It's simple. When making our New Year's resolutions, we create too many goals and try to make too many changes at one time. We quickly are overwhelmed and our New Year's resolutions fail almost as quickly as they began.

Loosing weight and sporting a toned body are always appealing, but it's not as easy as it sounds, according to local personal trainer, Eric Crosby. Crosby was a professional martial arts fighter and moved to Tehachapi from Indiana last July.   

Sometimes even before the New Year, clients ask for Crosby's help, he said. And, while those looking for drastic results may make it 30 days, by the end of 90 days, most of them will have given up, Crosby said, speaking from experience.

Crosby asks his clients to commit to a “good, honest effort for at least 90 days,” he said. “After all, it takes time to replace an old habit with a new, healthy one.”

Crosby's advice: Eat healthier, watch portion sizes, slowly increase physical activity, and don't expect miracles! 

“And, of course, check with your physician first to determine if there are certain exercises you shouldn't do,” cautioned Crosby. “Age is always a factor and even old injuries need to be considered when beginning any exercise regime.”

Quitting smoking also is a common resolution, according to Ken Caskey, certified hypnotherapist with an office in Old Towne.

“Hypnosis is a powerful tool,” Caskey explained. “But, it's not a cure-all. You must be totally committed to change your lifestyle before hypnosis really comes into full play. Hypnosis simply cannot make you do something you really don't want to do,” he said.

Chiropractor Dr. Jeffrey Schall believes that “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Pain often is a motivating factor,” he said. “Remove the pain and the motivation often goes with it. When you're not hurting, it's easy to say you'll keep your body aligned by scheduling monthly adjustments. But it's another thing to follow through,” he explained. “At the end of 90 days, only about one third of patients will hang in there and continue,” he said. “You must be dedicated to changing your lifestyle.”

Even if you simply want to get rid of clutter at home or the work place, commitment is required, said Jean at Hornett's Nest Studios. 

“I don't see as much organizational activity at the beginning of the year as I do with Spring cleaning,” she added.

Bottom line: Before you rush out and buy that expensive exercise equipment or tons of self-help books off the shelves, take a deep breath, consider what smaller changes will work with your current lifestyle and then take one step at a time!  Chances of actually achieving your goals are much better that way, according to our local experts.