15 "Hell, I Can Do That" Resolutions for 2008

15 "Hell, I Can Do That" Resolutions for 2008

 

1. Go see the musician you keep saying that you always wanted to see. That rolling stone won't keep on rolling forever.

 

2. Congratulations on finally going hands-free while driving. Now try going phone-free when backing out of the parking space, and iPod-free while changing lanes, smart guy.

 

3. So you're constantly sick of work. Know what cures that? Using your sick days. Just look at a calendar and decide. Four days equals one long weekend per season, and it's easy to survive the cubicle knowing that an escape is just weeks away.

 

4. Every great thing has its Golden Age. Often that age is right now. Live there, not in some glorious past you're probably misremembering.

 

5. Act like a grown-up when you're writing an e-mail: No more emoticons and cut the LOLs, which now means "loser on line."

 

6. Cut down by one beer each session. You'll save 150 calories and up to $5 a pop. Ten fewer beers a month means a yearly 5 pounds off your gut and an extra $600 in your wallet, which equals concert tickets and a hotel room for your sick-day excursions.

 

7. It's been too long. Enough with calling dudes "dude."

 

8. Root out resentment. Rather than play trial court with your buddy, say, "You're right. I screwed up. I'm sorry." There's plenty of blame to go around; accept your share. Move on.

 

9. Streamline your space. A big box of Hefty bags goes for $15. A shredder costs $50. And a year has 52 Saturdays, so on 12 of them, excise the unproductive memories, dated manuals, and worn-out clothes.

 

10. Drop three compliments a day. You'll become known as the guy who doesn't open his mouth just to complain. People will have your back when you need them most.

 

11. Take out the earbuds. Stifle the Bluetooth headset. Talk to people who are right there with you. You just might connect or learn something, like, say, that there's a car heading toward you in the crosswalk.

 

12. Traffic exists. So leave the house 10 minutes earlier. You'll do 10 percent less swearing, stressing, and apologizing.

 

13. Ask your dad questions he hasn't heard for a while, like about his major, favorite movie, or best vacation. It won't magically bridge the distance, but it'll throw up a little iron you both can begin to build on.

 

14. Have you noticed? It's a presidential election year, again. This time around, let's all remember that there's far more that unites us than divides us. So keep the conversation civil, your vote in perspective, and your humility in place.

 

15. There's nothing that happens after 11:30 p.m. that can't be replied to or TiVo'd the next day. Hit the pillow for some restorative sleep, then hit the ground running tomorrow, while others are still trying to find their legs (and their Starbucks gift cards).