New Year Resolutions
As we approached the New Year we published an article on DAILYMAIL AUSTRALIA with ideas for all of us to consider for 2018.
Three days later the New York Times International published an article by David DeSteno “The only way to keep your New Year’s resolutions” We particularly like David DeSteno’s comments….
“Unfortunately, the problem of New Years’ resolutions is, in a way the problem of life itself. Our tendency to be short sighted – to value the pleasures of the present more that the satisfactions of the future-comes at a cost. Given self–control’s importance for success, it seems as if evolution should have provided us with a tool for it that was less excruciating to use. I believe it did: we are just ignoring it. That tool is our social emotions. These are the emotions- things like gratitude and compassion – that support the positive aspects of social life.
“Cultivating the social emotions maximises both our “resume virtues” (those that underlie professional success) and our “eulogy virtues” those for which we want to be remembered). In short they give us grit but also grace.”
David DeSteno suggests “as 2018 commences, take more time to cultivate these emotions. Reflect on what you are grateful to have been given. Allow your mind to step into the shoes of those in need and feel for them. Take pride in small achievements on the path to your goals. Doing so will help ensure that every future New Year’s Eve will have more to celebrate than to regret.”
The Sydney School of Protocol etiquette tips for the New Year.
- Show consideration and generosity
- Send thank you notes
- Extend your courtesy and kindness
- Introduce digital etiquette into your routine
- Put others at ease
Tuesday, January 02 2018 The New York Times International Edition
David DeSteno, a professor of psychology at Northeastern University, is the author of the forthcoming book “Emotional Success: The Power of Gratitude, Compassion and Pride”
