Atychiphobia or Decidophobia?
Okay, everyone. You know what tomorrow is. That’s right, it’s January first, a day to celebrate and, at the same time, a day to fear. We celebrate, because, hey, we made it through another 365 days or so (and wasn’t 2025 a beauty?), which is pretty incredible. Then comes the fear, borne from the dreaded pressure we feel to make resolutions for said new year.
I’ve heard a lot of people rail against the practice of making New Year’s resolutions. These folks don’t even try, figuring―like rules―all resolutions are made to be broken. Well, I’m here to offer an argument to that logic, so let’s get into it.
First off, if you do suffer from Atychiphobia (the fear of failure) or Decidophobia (the fear of making decisions), please know today’s title is merely a way to grab reader attention, and not to belittle these serious conditions. I wish you all the best in overcoming these debilitating phobias.
Provided you aren’t afflicted by Atychiphobia or Decidophobia, what’s keeping you from setting some goals for yourself in the coming year? Greatness is seldom achieved by not challenging ourselves to be and do better, after all. Heck, I say we make a crapload of resolutions this year! I made eight of them on New Year’s Day in 2025, and I accomplished two-thirds of my list. There is no way I would have been nearly as productive if I’d never made any.
And I’m not talking about a bunch of major resolutions, like climbing all the 4,000-foot peaks in New Hampshire in 2026, or eating kale every day (unless you’re into those things 😊). How about a mix of challenges? Set yourself some easier tasks that can give you a sense of accomplishment, then sprinkle in a couple of moderate challenges, and maybe one major one.
As usual, I’m here to help you get started. Behold, my list of 2026 resolutions:
Publish at least one novel (look for Redemption Falls coming soon!)
Read at least six books
Workout three days per week
Go fishing
Complete four items on my SIN (Someday Is Now) list
Learn how to write a screenplay
Walk the 27.5-mile Boston Marathon route in support of the Jimmy Fund
Ride at least 5,000 miles on my Harley
Volunteer with Habitats for Humanity
That’s quite a list, for sure. And I know my chances of checking all of them off by this time next year aren’t high, but I’m going to try like hell.
So, what’ll it be for you this year? You don’t have to decide today or even tomorrow, but give it some thought. Don’t settle for the mentality of the “anti-resolution” crowd. Few of us become better by not pushing ourselves a bit. Jot down some goals you’d like to complete in 2026. In the process, you might find some motivation, or a different direction to move toward. Give yourself permission to miss some of your goals, but don’t take the easy way out by using the excuse that nobody keeps resolutions. You can do this. I believe in you!
Happy New Year, my friends.
And remember: whatever you are, resolve to be a good one.
-Dave
