New Year's Resolutions: A Mixed Bag Of Goals From Montclair Residents

Whether it's taming the bulge, saving more money, or spending more time with family and friends, loads of Montclair residents have made—or will make—New Year's resolutions today. Even if they are forgotten or abandoned, this time-honored tradition holds a certain appeal. New Year's is the incentive that at least some people need to do what they should have done six months ago—whether it be to quit smoking, to quit drinking, or to quit (insert guilty pleasure).

Unfortunately, research shows that only about 12 percent of people who make resolutions actually achieve their goals. Men are more successful when they engage in step-by-step goal setting, while women are more successful when they make their ambitions public.

Montclair Patch asked a few people around town, as well as a few of its writers, about their own New Year's resolutions and here's what we found out. Some folks are named—others wanted to remain anonymous. Please add your own resolutions!

Ellen Rooney Martin: "My New Year's resolution is to say 'yes' more often to things social and professional. And I want to try a harder workout class at the Y this year—
so far I've been all talk about Athletic Conditioning, but in 2011 I am going to try the class even if it kills me!"

Carol Selman: "My New Year's resolution is to make it past page 119 in Alfred's Adult All-In-One  Piano Course: Lesson, theory, technic. Please refer to this article."

Josie Zeman: "My favorite New Year's resolution is to listen to my physicians and lose weight for health, not vanity."

Tara Chowaniec: "My New Year's resolution is to once and for all lose the baby weight from my second child."

Jaime Bedrin: "To start a compost."

Anonymous: "My New Year's resolutions have to do with achieving more balance with work and family."

Anonymous: "My New Year's resolution is to finally—after many many attempts—learn Italian. I want to go to Italy in the summer and I want to at least be able to order in a restaurant."

Anonymous: "My New Year's resolution is the same every year—I want to lose 10 pounds and I want to be a better wife and mother."

Anonymous: "My New Year's resolution is to go into New York City at least once a month and do something cultural, with or without my children."

Anonymous: "I have to improve myself physically. Without going into detail here let's summarize it by saying I have to get my act together in 2011!" 

Anonymous: "I'm going to stop looking at the brochure for the Adult School of Montclair and actually sign up to take a class!"

Anonymous: "I'm going to read more about what's going on in the world ... I'm going to read a non-fiction book every month. I'm going to stay more informed."