A new decade?

Hello all, thanks for reading my first-ever blog. This is definitely one type of writing I enjoy - just jotting down whatever comes to mind. What's great about this whole blogging idea is that others are free to relate to or disagree with your personal thoughts that don't normally come up in day-to-day conversations. What a neat idea this is.
So, 2010, hey? A new year, a new decade. It seems like something pretty epic when put in those words. Most of you are probably making New Years' resolutions, which is great - no better time for self-improvement than the beginning of a year. Now is a time of reflection, of goal-setting, and exploration.
However, I have a few alternative thoughts on the matter.
Are New Years' resolutions really all that practical? I mean, I am in complete support for personal growth, but why do we put so much pressure on ourselves during this one particular time, to complete things that we've wanted to accomplish all year long anyways? Benjamin Franklin once said, "Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today". I am definitely no role model for following this advice, but even so, I believe Franklin had an excellent point. The pressure of a New Years' resolution is all in the title - it makes the deed so official that you feel incredible guilt at the end of the year, when you realize the task hasn't been completed. In my opinion, this self-implied pressure actually dooms the task for failure. Why do we do these things to ourselves?
I suggest a different path for those who want to improve during the coming year. Think about the things that are important to you, and think about the ways you could improve your life in regards to these things. Then, plan out little things - steps, if you will - that will point you in the direction of steady improvement. Without the label of "resolution", nothing is written in stone, and somehow it is easier to make changes.
Of course, this is just me.
Speaking now in a more positive light about resolutions, they may provide motivation to some individuals. Certain people work better under pressure, and if they are constantly being reminded of their New Years' resolution, perhaps they will be able to accomplish it.I'm simply not one of these people, that's all. If you are, that's excellent, and I wish you luck in achieving your goals. If you're more like me, than I hope my advice will assist you a bit this year.

Anyways, I think that's a pretty solid entry - for my first one, anyways. Thanks for reading, and hopefully, for continuing to read =]
Happy New Year!
- KareBear