Starting the New Year, Wisely (and Gently)

Alright, fellas. Another year is upon us. Eggnog’s gone, the festive lights are coming down, and that favorite chair of yours seems a little harder to get out of than it was last week. The mirror? Well, let’s just say it’s not telling any new stories. If you “fit the description” – maybe you’re carrying a few extra pounds and the years are definitely starting to add up – you might be feeling that familiar tug. The Groundhog Day Resolution pull.

For a lot of us, especially those of us who are, shall we say, experienced and robust, the idea of a New Year’s Resolution can feel like a cruel joke. We’ve made ’em before, right? “Lose 50 pounds!” “Run a marathon!” (Even thinking that one probably made your knees ache). Too often, these grand plans fizzle out faster than a cheap firework.

But here’s the thing: Resolutions don’t have to be about becoming someone you’re not overnight. For the “fat old man,” they can be about making small, manageable changes that actually make life better. More comfortable, more energetic, maybe even a little longer and healthier so you can annoy your grandkids a little longer.

So, I’m ditching the unrealistic dreams and making resolutions that make sense.

1. Resolution: Move… Just a Little More

Forget “hitting the gym” five days a week right off the bat. That’s just not going to happen, and I would be setting myself up for failure (and probably some sore muscles I didn’t know I had).

• Trying This Instead: Start small. Seriously small. My resolution could be:
  • “Walk to the mailbox every day.”
  • “Take a stroll around the block three times a week.”
  • “Stand up and move during commercial breaks.”
  • “Find a simple stretching routine I can do while working at my desk or watching the news.” The goal is consistency, not intensity. Gentle movement helps with stiffness, circulation, and just generally feeling less like a stuffed armchair. I consulted my doctor before starting anything new, especially with underlying health issues.

2. Resolution: Tweak the Grub

Nobody’s telling me I have to live on lettuce and water. That’s miserable, and misery doesn’t last.

• Trying This Instead: Focusing on one or two small dietary swaps that I can stick to.
  • “Drink one less soda a day, replace it with water (gasp!) or unsweetened tea.”
  • “Add one vegetable to dinner.” (Doesn’t have to be fancy – frozen peas count!)
  • “Cut back on second helpings.”
  • “Swap that sugary dessert for a piece of fruit a few nights a week.” Small, sustainable changes over time make a bigger difference than a crash diet I would bail on by the end of February. It’s about progress, not perfection.

3. Resolution: Engage My Brain (and Maybe Friends)

Getting older and carrying extra weight can sometimes mean spending more time alone. Use the New Year to connect.

• Trying This:
  • “Call a relative or friend once a week just to chat.”
  • “Join a low-key club or group.” (Think book clubs, historical societies, model trains, whatever floats your boat that involves other humans).
  • “Learn something new online or at the local library.” (A new language on an app, how to fix something, local history). Keeping your mind active and staying connected helps ward off loneliness and keeps things interesting.

4. Resolution: Prioritize Sleep (Seriously)

It sounds simple, but good sleep is crucial for energy, mood, and overall health.

• Trying This:
  • “Trying to go to bed and wake up around the same time, including weekends.”
  • “Cut off screens (TV, tablet, phone) an hour before bed.”
  • “Make my bedroom dark and quiet.” Better sleep can make all the other resolutions feel a little more achievable.

5. Resolution: Be Kind to Myself

This is perhaps the most important one. Life happens. I’ll miss a walk. I’ll have that extra slice of pie. Don’t let a slip-up derail everything.

• Trying This:
  • “If I miss a day, just get back on track the next one.”
  • “Acknowledge my small victories.” (Walked an extra block? Drank more water? Good job!)
  • “Don’t compare myself to anyone else.” My journey is mine.

Being a “fat old man” isn’t a death sentence, but ignoring my health entirely will likely speed things along and reduce my quality of life in the meantime. This New Year, I’m forgetting the heroic transformations. I’m aiming for doable improvements. I’m aiming to feel a little better when I get out of the chair, enjoy my food a little more mindfully, keep my brain sharp, and stay connected.

Here’s to a New Year filled with small steps that make a big difference. I’ve got this.