I find early morning hours are the best for thinking. Often, if I’m dealing with a difficult writing project, I will roll out of bed and immediately put pen to paper. It helps me to push through the obstacles and focus on what’s important. The calm and solitude of the house before daylight clarifies my mind before I begin to remember all the things on my to-do list and the many interruptions that keep me from accomplishing all that I would like. 

January reminds me of those quiet mornings. It seems particularly appropriate for reflection. We’re shedding the worries and accomplishments of the old year and still have high hopes for the new one to come. Studies have shown 60 to 75 percent of us make New Year's resolutions, but only roughly 8 percent stick with them for more than 30 days. It’s not a very encouraging statistic.

I’ve never been too much for making New Year’s resolutions. When I have, I usually didn’t last even 30 days. All too often, folks fool themselves into believing this will be the year they will do things differently — rid themselves of a bad habit or take up some self-improvement hack that will magically change them for the better. I may be a bit too cynical, but after a certain age, I’ve just accepted I am who I am. I’m just not going to lose those extra pounds and still eat like I like. 

It doesn’t hurt, however, to try to improve and reinforce positive practices. It seems that losing weight and exercising more are the most common resolutions. And experts say choosing specific resolutions make achieving significant change more likely.

I think simplicity helps, too. I hope to try to be more grateful for my blessings and appreciate friends and family more every day this coming year. It helps to be realistic as well. I realize that perfection is not possible. We need to accept that and realize it often takes a bit of flexibility to be happy. 

Just like that to-do list I mentioned, every item won’t be checked off, often due to circumstances beyond your control, but you may still enjoy some progress. Focus on the areas you can improve, recognize there are many things you can’t control, and try to discern the difference.