We've been waiting a whole year for 2007 to get here. We want so badly to turn the calendar to a new year so we can start afresh. We want these next 365 days to be better than any others, because just maybe, this is the year.

Maybe this is the year we lose weight.
Maybe this is the year we get our dream job.
Maybe this is the year we find someone.
Maybe this is the year we give more to others.
Maybe this is the year we become truly happy.
Maybe this is the year we get organized.
Maybe this is the year we quit bad habits and start good ones.
Maybe this is the year we try something new.
Maybe this is the year we make our mark and leave our legacy.

Maybe this is the year we don't break any of our resolutions.

But, soon enough, our resolutions are broken. Some of us may last until the springtime, and very few us will make it to fall. Maybe there's one of us out there who makes it until Christmas. But most of us will forget the promises we made on the 1st by the middle of the month (or maybe even the middle of the day). Who can keep these things for an entire year anyway?

In an effort to help you commit to making a difference for an entire year, we're not asking you to make and keep a promise for 525,600 minutes. We're asking you to keep one for 1,440 minutes. That's 86,400 seconds. 24 hours. 1 day.

This year, make a New Day's Resolution.

Each morning, wake up and make a promise to yourself. Attempt to do something great and small for that day. Try something new. Dare yourself to be spectacular. Change the world. Take that first step.

And, if you keep that resolution for today, you can try it again tomorrow. Or pick a new one. When a new day dawns, we are all given the same amount of time to use as we wish. We will have a chance to erase the slate clean of yesterday's mistakes and lay foundations for tomorrow's success. And so we can pander to the status quo, or work for the common good; we can focus on the bottom line, or on one in need; we can chase every dollar, or follow where hope will lead us. Because at the end of the day, what will separate us will be what we gave, how we served, and who we loved.

During January and February, our More Time On Your Hands articles will be from ordinary people who wanted to change the world by trying something new. Read their words and be inspired to resolve to do something different that makes a difference.

Want to take the New Day's Resolution challenge?

If so, leave today's resolution in the comments below, and come back and tell us how you did. Anyone willing to take the challenge will receive a gift of 5 New Day's Resolution postcards to send to others to encourage them to do the same.

(To receive your cards, your address must be correct in your user profile. click here to update it now).

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Comments

Stephen commented, on January 9, 2007 at 12:44 p.m.:

Today I will drink 8 glasses of water.

Sam commented, on January 16, 2007 at 9:22 p.m.:

I want to learn one new thing today.

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Articles in this Series

January

• Get Organized
  
• Eat Healthy
  
• Get Out More
  
• Volunteer More
  

February

• Get a Hobby
  
• Help the Poor
  
• Get Fit
• February 23