So what’s the deal with New Year’s resolutions? Why do people make them if they know they aren’t going to keep them? Perhaps they think, somewhere in the dark recesses of their minds, that maybe, perhaps they might have the fortitude to actually do what they say we are “resolved” to do. Maybe this is the special year that the resolutions will actually take.

In the field of psychology, that’s called magical thinking. Yeah, the same kind that makes people think that the tooth fairy is real or that knocking on wood will make bad things go away.

So, instead of pledging to exercise for four hours each day (which isn’t even healthy) or to save half of the money made each month (which probably is impossible); how about making a resolution that sticks. Resolutions that actually work and are doable.

So how does one make a New Year’s Resolution that sticks? Well, it’s just like making perfect spaghetti. If it is cooked enough, it sticks to the wall (try it, it’s true – but then clean the wall afterward because that’s just gross if you don’t), but if it is overcooked or undercooked, well, all you get is a noodley mess on the floor. The same goes for resolutions. If they are undercooked or not planned they won’t be able to happen. If they are overcooked or waaaay too over planned (you people out there who do this know who you are), they will be so complicated that you will give up before you start.

You also don’t want too many resolutions because, just like spaghetti, you’ll get full fast and you don’t want resolution indigestion. Then, make sure you butter up your spaghetti, erm, resolutions because you don’t want them sticking together. And what that means is that you want to make sure to throw in some buttery, fun, resolutions between your hardcore, hardworking ones otherwise your life is gonna be really sticky and overwhelming.

Finally, make sure you are really even hungry for resolutions. If you are just making spaghetti because everyone else is making spaghetti but what you really want is a hamburger, then you aren’t really going to be very fulfilled. Maybe you don’t need to make resolutions this year. Maybe your life is pretty much okay and you don’t need any drastic changes. Or perhaps you just aren’t a resolution type of person. Then don’t worry about it. And have a hamburger instead.