Each one of us, in the back of our heads, is familiar with what it takes to be better.  It’s drilled into us from an early age; things like eating right, exercising, doing something every day that scares you are all echoed through popular culture. The problem is that when we reach that point of decision there are things in our lives, fears or barriers that make us choose the easy way out.

That’s why the best the New Years resolutions aren’t the promises you make to yourself.  They are the criteria on which you’ll make better decisions. If you select resolutions that are more about choosing to veer towards who you know you are, I find you stand a lot better chance of keeping them.

These kinds of resolutions are usually more ephemeral.  They exist only at the moment of decision.  Like choosing to make decisions based on potential rather than fear or to make what you put into your body what you want to get out of it – these resolutions create forks in the road that lead to our better selves.

I’ll be glad to share mine as an example.  For me, it’s all about pushing beyond where I am now.  2011 was definitely a rebuilding year.  I re-established my network here in Atlanta, I ran my first half-marathon and I built the kind of digital operation at Brandware that I always envisioned.  In 2012, I want to take what been able to build and see how far I can take it. The choice for me isn’t between good and bad, it’s between good and how good I can be.

It’s about choosing to push myself a couple of seconds faster in a run even though I know it’s going to push me beyond my usual physical comfort zone. It’s about pushing the envelope in those downtime moments. These are all decisions that in the back of my head that I know are good for me.  I just have to chose to make them and that’s my New Year’s resolution.

I hope that whatever your “best self” is, that you resolve to veer towards it rather than away from it in 2012. Have a safe and happy New Year, everyone and if you end up making a better resolution of your own, I’d be honored if you shared them in the comments.

To 2012!

Photo Courtesy of Sacks08

You know the moments I’m talking about.  The ones where you don’t know if you should say “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Hanukah.”  Personally, my favorite is the face the host or hostess makes when they realize that every other hors d’oeuvre is either bacon or ham. They look so honestly stricken with grief that you hardly have the heart to tell them you don’t keep kosher.

I may not speak for the rest of “the tribe” but I am sick and tired of those awkward moments and want to offer some tips on how to avoid them:

Gentiles: Don’t Worry About What To Call The Holiday

Nothing makes for a more awkward moment than stopping mid-way through a hello or goodbye just to throw your hands up and realize you don’t know what to say. Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Merry Crisma-Hanu-Kwanza. It doesn’t matter what you call it, just pick a greeting and get on with it.  We know you mean well and we’re not going to be offended if you accidently wish us a “Merry Christmas.”

Jews: Don’t Bring Things Like Manischewitz As Gag Gifts

It’s a proven fact that Jews like to laugh at themselves.  What can we say? It’s a copping mechanism that can usually cut through the awkward moments.  The only problem is that not everyone gets Jewish humor – particularly the irony of giving Manischewitz as a gift. Like any other inside joke, if you don’t want to explain it or worse yet, look like a complete idiot who has no taste in wine, its best to stick with humor you know everyone can apreciate.

Gentiles: If You Don’t Know What Hanukah Is About, At Least Know How To Pronounce It

It’s actually OK for Gentiles to not know what Hanukah is all about other than having something to do with candles and spinning top.  The only thing that you should know is how to pronounce it. It’s “Han” (like Han Solo) “Nu” (like your “new” pair of Pradas) “Kah” (like “kaw,” the sound a crow makes).  No phlegm, no hard “Ch” (like Chandler) – it’s just Han-nu-kah.

Jews: Stop Acting Like This Holiday Is A Big Deal

Compared to Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur, Hanukah really isn’t a big deal.  Sure, a “great miracle happened” with the oil and the Jews won a military battle.  It’s a great story and it deserves to be told.  What shouldn’t happen is that we try to over-commercialize Hanukah in a fit of holiday “size-envy.” As long as we get the same days off work and it’s a reason for monetary bonuses – who are we to really complain?

There is no reason we can’t all enjoy and celebrate the final month of the year, together.  It’s a time for reflection, of merriment and, of course, copious culinary and alcoholic indulgences.  If we can’t come together over that and screw the political correctness of the holiday then we really shouldn’t be saying ANYTHING about the “spirit of the season.”

That being said; Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Happy Kwanzaa and a bight and prosperous New Year!

Photo Courtesy of CarbonNYC