Failing to keep New Year’s resolutions is a hard habit to break

There I am, at pump No. 1 at Sheetz. As I stand there filling up my car’s gas tank, visions of breakfast food dance in my head. Should I get a hash brown patty with my sausage “schmuffin,” or a package of cinnamon rolls for 59 cents, using my Sheetz card?

This is often my first important dilemma of the day as I head to work. I typically stop for gas once a week on my way up Route 11. I never eat breakfast at home - I choose sleep over sausage. But as a big fan of breakfast foods, I’m always in the mood. So, the question becomes: Do I refrain from spending the extra $2 on food that isn’t healthy for me? Or, do I somehow rationalize it and give in to temptation every now and again?

This is just one of the battles I fight when it comes to partaking in unhealthy activities or not doing things I should be doing. Thankfully, smoking and drinking aren’t on my list of negative behaviors. But I do have a few others.

As you know, this is the time of year when practically everyone makes a list of goals or “New Year’s resolutions” for the coming year. It’s a time to start fresh and commit to making a few changes in our lives. Now, sure it hasn’t worked in the past, but seriously, THIS is the year.

I’m not sure what’s on your list for 2011. But I’ll share a few of mine with you. The list isn’t anything too exciting, but it includes things I know I need to work on. Maybe a few of them apply to you as well:

Top 10 resolutions I’ll make, but will be nearly impossible to keep

10. Stop buying snacks when I get gas

- This includes the aforementioned breakfast sandwiches and a carbonated beverage

9. Use my treadmill at least twice a week

- I’m shooting for twice a week, but once would be a victory

8. Eat breakfast at home

- Really, how hard is it to toast a piece of bread?

7. Stop biting my fingernails

- They are called nail clippers and I need to use them

6. Eat a veggie a day

- Do potatoes count?

5. Do chores without complaining

- At least I still do them, right?

4. Cut down on drinking pop

- OK, but did you know Mountain Dew has orange juice in it?

3. Learn how to “fix” things

- But, I can fix a sandwich

2. Shave on Saturdays

- It’s my razor’s day of rest, what can I say?

1. Become a millionaire

- Maybe I’ll go on “Minute To Win It”

Happy New Year.