While some Golden residents look back at their 2007 New Year’s resolution list to see how they’ve fared, others haven’t even made goals to look back on.
For a number of locals, resolutions just aren’t a big priority.
A 2005 survey by the Opinion Research Corp. of Princeton, N.J., found that fewer than 50 percnt of Americans make resolutions.
“I don’t give it much thought,” said resident Cindy Weller, who said she has never been “a resolution person.”
A few Golden residents said they don’t make resolutions because they know they won’t meet their goals or just don’t think they need to make big-life changes. Others said that if they need to change something in their life, they won’t wait for Jan. 1 to make it happen.
“I’ve made resolutions for some years, but not because it’s the new year,” said Carole Hoell, who was enjoying a cup of coffee outside with her friend, Dalila Hanifi, on a recent day. Both women said they often set small goals for themselves, but never as an official New Year’s resolution.
“Some people make lists, but I don’t really do anything like that. I just think about it,” Hanifi said.
Graham Mustoe, a School of Mines professor, doesn’t spend time penning a list of goals or brainstorming ways to exercise more or smoke less.
“I think some people think of it as a new beginning, but I don’t see it that way,” he said.
One thing Mustoe will do in the new year is take a vacation in Florida, something he’s been planning since last year.
“I guess that’s a resolution,” he said, laughing.
Those who did make resolutions said the key is to stick to small, manageable goals.
“It has to be something you can achieve,” said resident Ruth Tinnacher. “People always say they want to lose 30 pounds, but you have to start with small steps.” She resolved last year to have more fun and work less.
“That worked pretty well,” she said, adding that she went to a lot more concerts in 2007 to achieve her goal. “You have to trick yourself, though. You have to have it in your mind to stick with it.”
Resident Manfred Geier often makes resolutions but often forgets about them halfway through the year, he said.
“I make them, but then I don’t think about them,” he said.
Merika Treants, on the other hand, planned out her resolution in late 2006 and tackled it head-on in January 2007.
“My goal was to run a marathon,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to do it, and I finally did in October.”
Treants trained for 10 months before the race. Her friend, John Dibble, on the other hand, said he doesn’t make such committed resolutions.
“I don’t set the goals too high,” said Dibble, a School of Mines student. “That way, if I don’t achieve them I’m not too disappointed.
“To get a 4.0 (GPA) at Mines would be nice.”
Golden Community Editor Megan Quinn can be reached at 303-279-5541, ext. 233.