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Happy New Year!

January 1st, 2024 by Kenneth Abrahams

Hard to believe that 2023 is gone and 2024 has arrived. In fact, it is hard to fathom that we are almost a quarter of the way through this century. It seems like just recently we were all on pins and needles waiting for the ball to drop signaling the arrival of 2000 or Y2K as it was called. There was both anticipation and dread as people were concerned that the world might end or that technology would go into a tailspin with the start of a new millennium. As evidenced by the fact that it is 2024 nothing dramatic or catastrophic happened. Often, I have too much time on my hands, and I think of random things and the New Year is one of those things.

For those that are unaware, there are multiple new year’s every year. In fact, there are a multitude of different calendars out there. Most of the world follows the Gregorian calendar which was adopted in 1582 and replaced the Julian calendar. Both the Gregorian and the Julian are solar calendars and measure the length of time it takes the earth to make a trip around the sun. That journey is 365.25 days per year. Other calendars, like the Jewish or the Islamic ones, are lunar and based on the number of moons each year. To account for that pesky ¼ day each year the Gregorian calendar adds 1 day to February every four years. While the Jewish Calendar simply adds an entire month every 2 to 3 years. Those are just a few calendars in use today. If you ask the great and Mighty Google or jump on Wikipedia, you will find a number of different calendars and a wide range of dates for New Year’s. 

Here is what I don’t understand, and much of my concern is based on where I live, who decided that January 1st should be the start of the New Year? Where I live it is dark and cold in January. New Year’s to me should be a time of renewal and rebirth but where I reside it is cold and forlorn. Fields are dormant and brown, and the sun’s appearance every day is fairly short. Winds howl through the streets and the tree branches, devoid of leaves, make a nasty scratching sound. It doesn’t feel like a start to anything. As mentioned earlier the Gregorian calendar is a solar one, so who decided that January first was when the earth started around the sun? Why can’t we have April first or May first be the time that we start to measure this annual trip? Maybe it is just me, but I feel more alive and ready to tackle new projects when there are leaves on the trees, green grass under my feet, and less than 10 layers of clothing protecting me from the cold on my body. Clearly, no one asked me.

If you have read blogs or articles written by me over the years you may know I am not a fan of resolutions. That doesn’t mean that I am not curious about the history of the practice, where it began or the success rate of those resolutions. So, I asked Chat GPT some of those questions and here is what I got:

The tradition of making New Year's resolutions dates back to ancient Babylon around 4,000 years ago. The Babylonians celebrated the new year in mid-March when crops were planted. During a 12-day religious festival called Akitu, they made promises to the gods to pay their debts and return any objects they had borrowed.

The practice of making resolutions has evolved over time and is now a widespread tradition observed in many cultures around the world. People make resolutions to set goals, make positive changes, and start the new year with a fresh perspective. While the tradition is global, the specific customs and resolutions can vary widely between cultures and individuals. In Western societies, common resolutions often involve improving health, setting career goals, or making lifestyle changes. It is challenging to determine the exact number of resolutions made globally each year, as they are personal commitments made by individuals. However, surveys and studies are conducted to understand popular resolutions and trends. As for the success rate of keeping resolutions, statistics vary. Many people struggle to maintain their resolutions over the long term. Factors such as setting realistic goals, having a clear plan, and seeking support from others can contribute to greater success in keeping resolutions. Studies suggest that around 80% of resolutions fail by mid-February, but this figure is not universally agreed upon, and individual success rates vary.

Although I don’t make resolutions, I do use the new year as an opportunity to do a little self-inventory. Since it is the beginning of our fiscal year at FUN, much of what I examine is business related. What can I do differently? What can I do better? How can I effectively make the changes I need and want to make? These are not vague resolutions; they are specific questions forcing me to create specific plans. For better or worse our industry and clientele are changing every year so we, or at least I, feel the need to look at those changes and make changes myself. What this reflection process does is force me to change my habits and create new action plans to accomplish my goals. It is a process I enjoy. Regardless of when you do it, self-reflection is never a bad thing and if you want to make resolutions by all means go for it.

Yes, 2024 is here, whether we are ready for it or not. I’m sure for some it is here not a moment too soon while others will be sad to see 2023 depart. Each year will bring its own series of gifts and treasures for some but sad news for others. It is simply the way of the world. For all of you, our clients, and friends, we wish you a very healthy, happy, fulfilling, and FUN 2024.

About the Author

Has written a blog a week almost every week since the pandemic started. In March of 2024 that will be four years. Topics are selected by whatever pops up in life or something that has piqued his interest. For better or worse the ideas and opinions expressed here are his own or on occasion those of Chat GPT. Have a great 2024.

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