The tradition of making New Year’s resolutions is rooted in early history. Ancient Babylonians made promises to their gods beginning each year that they would return borrowed objects and pay off their debts. The Romans made promises to the god Janus, whom the month of January is named after. Medieval knights took the “peacock vow” at the end of Christmas to re-affirm their chivalry.

Many religious parallels have evolved from those early traditions. At watch-night services, many Christians prepare for the year ahead by praying and making resolutions to better their selves.

During Judaism's New Year, Rosh Hashanah, through the High Holidays and culminating in Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement), one is to reflect upon one's wrongdoings over the year and both seek and offer forgiveness.

People may act similarly during the Catholic fasting period of Lent, though the motive behind this holiday is more of sacrifice than of responsibility; in fact, the practice of New Year's resolutions partially came from the Lenten sacrifices. The concept, regardless of creed, is to reflect upon self-improvement annually.

In America at the end of the Great Depression, about 25 percent of adults made resolutions. At the start of the 21st century, the rate increased to 40-50 percent. In 2007 a study claimed that 88 percent of those making resolutions failed; but an AMA survey reported that 46 percent of the population that made common resolutions such as weight loss, exercise programs, and quitting smoking were 10 times more likely to be successful than those who make none.

Here are five of my favorite golf resolutions courtesy of Golf Digest: 1) Minimize on-course cussing, 2) Dress the part, 3) Campaign to get Bill Murray on the Ryder Cup Team, 4) Walk more instead of riding, and 5) Take an aspiring golfer under your wing.

Plus a few more gems from RockBottomgolf.com: 1) Watch more LPGA, 2) Take a golfing trip with your buddies, 3) Remember, it’s just a game, 4) Keep your score goals general and attainable, and 5) Play more golf.

According to the Yorktown, NY Patch, weight loss tumbled from its first place position to be replaced by being a better person. Exercising more tied with weight loss for the second spot. Other top picks are spending less, saving money, improving one’s health, and eating healthier.

My personal pick is to have a happy, healthy, and productive 2019.

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