Happy New One

All good things come to an end. It’s a common phrase but a little misguided. All bad things come to an end also. Whether 2012 was amazing, miserable, or average, it is officially over I can confirm. 2013 has arrived and roll on the good times, lottery wins, fabulous holidays, new jobs etc.

Most of us see the turn of the year as a turning point. Something that may signify a change in fortunes, a chance to do things differently. It is complete garbage of course. January 1^st is just another day and it is purely a psychological trigger for us to act. Why not start the exercise in October? Why not decide to start saving money in the Spring?

I fall into the very same trap myself. I frequently commit to resolutions because it is the done thing. This year I shall be embarking on another weight loss campaign as of midnight last night, and that will involve cutting the alcohol out. I’ve had an incredibly boozy and fun-filled last six months. I’ve soaked up the Euros, the Olympics, the cheeky trips here and there, along with the gatherings with friends and family. I’ve had a blast and I’ve been a little naughty…but that has to change. 2013 my friends, is the year of the ‘Fat Bloke running a Marathon’. 2014 is a ‘belly-free’ zone.

I love the thought of the challenge of running a marathon. Do I like running? Not particularly. I prefer running with a ball in the vicinity. There is no real reason why this could not have been done before, but it is an opportunity to seize the moment and dedicate myself to a challenge. A slap on my own wrists for falling into the resolution trap, but it doesn’t really matter as long as I accomplish what I set out to achieve.

As much as anything I think resolutions are important for us to think of a brighter and positive future. Whether the previous year has been good or bad, we’re looking for ways to improve ourselves and our lives. The only downside to that is that if the resolution fails, and our high hopes for the year is not matched, then we view it as a poor unsuccessful year. Maybe running a marathon is unrealistic for me, maybe abstaining from the foods and drinks that I love are also. But as with anything, as long as you’ve given it your best shot, then there is nothing to feel ashamed about.

2012 will stick in my mind for a long time though I am not sure how to rate it. Ups and downs are inevitable over 365 days. Good health is underrated and something we take for granted until something bad happens. The same goes with love, family and friendship. 2012 has served as a reminder of that for me.

Unquestionably my most enjoyable year from a sporting perspective. I think most will agree that it has been a special one.  I have also visited a number of new countries and cities. Don’t ask me whether I will go back to all of them, but new places, new adventures is always fun. Professionally I could have been better. Onside Analysis is ticking along nicely but I’m always aware of my performance. When I’m good, I’ll pat myself on the back. When I’m not good enough, I beat myself up. Averageness is overrated and raising my game is my main focus in 2013. Personally, there are always improvements I can make, perhaps too many to deal with in one year and I am aware of those too!

I have never been one for New Year’s Eve and celebrating it big style. I think it is a little overrated personally. When I was younger I always preferred to work and earn double money rather than go out and pay double money. It is the same principle as resolutions, why do what you can do any time, but pay double? Bah humbug, I know. It is an opportunity…a time, however for everybody to reassess and re-evaluate. It serves a purpose, even if resolutions are frivolous and broken within days or weeks. I see it as another opportunity to test and improve myself.

So the question is, how are you going to improve yourself?

Here’s to 2013!