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entries/resolutions.md

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+---
+title: resolutions
+permalink: resolutions
+date: 2024-01-01T20:54:31-08:00
+tags: personal, habits
+---
+
+Most New Year's resolutions fail. Gym memberships spike in January followed by a
+surge of cancellations weeks later. There's some
+[research](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2980864/) suggesting that fewer than
+one in five have resolutions that last through a second year. Creating new
+habits is hard, kicking existing ones is even harder.
+
+I'm approaching 2024 with two variations on a resolution: a motif and
+fortnights.
+
+## Motif
+
+I'm choosing a single word as a motif representing the year ahead. It should be
+somewhat aspirational and intentionally non-concrete. It is not a goal in itself
+but should guide decision making, inform habits and goals. It's intentional
+[psychological priming](<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Priming_(psychology)>).
+
+This year's motif is _restoration_.
+
+Restoration is meant to be interpreted broadly. It involves anything aimed at
+renewing or revitalizing myself physically, mentally, emotionally, or
+spiritually, going beyond mere rest to replenish energy, balance, and overall
+well-being.
+
+## Fortnights
+
+Rather than choose one habit or goal for the year, I'm taking on a new one every
+fortnight, or every two weeks. Each fortnight's goal will relate to the
+restoration motif. I'm going to approach this as a scientist. What is
+restorative to me? The goal is not to change my habits (though I hope at least a
+few stick) but to learn, fail often, and attempt to answer this question.
+
+I'll do six of these experiments per season, with one week breaks interspersed.
+
+Have ideas for what I should try? [Get in touch](https://leebyron.com)!