Locals Share New Year's Resolutions -- But Many Will Drop The Ball
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- More of this, less of that.
As CBS 2's Scott Rapoport reported, Americans make New Year's resolutions every year, and despite their best intentions, millions won't follow through.
Psychologist Dr. Harris Stratyner said New Year's resolutions can be a self-defeating prophecy, but they can also be good because they prove people are at least thinking in the right direction.
"They let themselves down because 99 percent of the time, it doesn't work," Stratyner said. But "it's always optimistic to try to think in a healthy way."
Stratyner said the best way to change your behavior is to do some planning and first consider why you're doing it in the first place.
Rapoport asked Tri-State Area residents what their resolutions for 2014 are.
"I gotta lose some weight," one man said.
"To do well in school," said one girl.
"To tolerate the people around me," added another man.
Renata Cestari, of Midtown, has two resolutions: "get a raise at my job" and "have a baby."
Meanwhile, Jackie Schuck, of Monroe, N.Y., in Orange County, has an unusual New Year's resolution: "Have more of a bad attitude," she joked.
Stratyner said the most rewarding resolutions are those that benefit others.
"I think we feel more connected to all of humanity," he said. "I think we realize we're all one."
Chris Homenides, of East Northport, on Long Island, is among those thinking along those lines. His resolution is "to be a better father."
Schuck, a teacher, said she hopes "to inspire children to be creative and curious and really want to learn."
Some girls at Columbus Circle from a group called Team Inspire wrote their resolution on a card and handed it to Rapoport. It read: "VISUALIZE WORLD PEACE. IT'S UP TO YOU."
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