Like many other pseudo-dedicated yet well meaning individuals, I have set a half-hearted new years resolution to get in shape.
Like "Get in Shape, Girl".



I'm not sure why the new year is the most socially accepted time to drastically change something about yourself or your life. It's not as if you're entire being -- the particles that swirl and dance within you -- are any different after midnight on the last day of the year. In fact, for most of the people I know, the new year is a terrible time to change!

You're piss poor due to Christmas shopping and time taken off of work for the holidays.
It's freezing outside -- not to mention probably full of slushy precipitation, which is not the most advantageous conditions for starting your fab fit life.
You probably feel terrible because you've nearly eaten yourself to death in the gluttonous tradition of the holiday season.

Logically, it would appear that you should allow yourself ample time to adjust from the crazed frenzy of the holidays before making any life-altering changes in your daily grind.
Yet, we raise our hands and holler to the almighty that this year will be the one. The year to break that bad habit, to build your business to the next level, to finally clean out the attic, and -- yes, to get in shape.

A census by USA.gov reveals that the top new years resolutions are:

• Lose Weight
• Manage Debt
• Save Money
• Get a Better Job
• Get Fit
• Eat Right
• Get a Better Job
• Drink Less Alcohol
• Quit Smoking
• Reduce Stress
• Take a Trip
• Help Others

Sound familiar?

So why did we pick such an in-opportune time to create change?
Actually, the new year didn't always start on January 1. In fact, the ancient Babylonians began the new year tradition almost 4000 years ago at the time of the New Moon after the Vernal Equinox -- The first day of spring.
Early spring is a logical time to start the new year. A season of rebirth, of planting and harvest, of creation. January 1 is purely arbitrary.

So who screwed it up for the rest of us? I think it's safe to say it was the Romans, who continued to celebrate the new year -- but in late March. The Roman calendar was constantly being altered by various emperors and the calendar soon lost it's synchronization with the sun. To remedy this fault the Romans declared January 1 to be the new year, so that they could keep track of the seasons.

So as you begin your brisk morning run with the slush soaking into your socks this January 1 -- you can curse Cesar and his cronies for their meddling. To all a good night, and a Happy New Year.