Justin Wolfers gives seven possible explanations for New Year’s resolutions. Here’s another: They improve self-image. A Catholic who has gone to confession and been granted some sort of absolution has a better self-image after confession than before. Likewise, a person who wants to do X but hasn’t (a “sin of omission”) feels better about him- or herself after making a New Year’s resolution to do X.
Mark Liberman’s resolution — surely for a different reason. I can’t imagine making a New Year’s resolution — see busman’s holiday — but if I did it would be . . . to blog less. I enjoy blogging too much.
Happy New Year!