The Best of the Bay ~ Every Week Since 1993

How I Keep My New Year’s Resolutions

If my success-ratio continues, 2008 will be a very good year

New Year’s Resolutions are a dicey affair. They generally ignore past behavioral patterns suggesting that those particular promises, intended for self-improvement, won’t be kept for very long.

A decade or so ago, after endless cycles of promissory failure, my sole New Year’s Resolution was that I would henceforth make only personal-improvement commitments that I would be likely to perform, such as resolving to fish or hunt at least two days a week; seeking out new outdoor experiences and finding a new sporting destination each season.

Thereafter, my success-ratio on keeping New Year’s Resolutions increased dramatically. Lesser goals — such as losing 15 pounds, exercising at least three times a week and limiting my intake of adult beverages to weekends or special occasions — were transitioned to an indefinite time much later in the calendar year so as not to cloud the focus of the holidays.

I cannot recommend this strategy to everyone, but I have to say it has certainly improved my quality of life — which is the object of self-improvement efforts, right?

In light of my past successes, this year I have also expanded the scope of my New Year’s Resolutions to include certain acquisitional goals in my efforts to improve.

Working part-time at a sporting goods store, I am probably more aware than most outdoor enthusiasts of the effort and expense that boat, outdoor-clothing and fishing-tackle manufacturers bear to create new and more exciting equipment to enhance our sporting adventures.

It seems in keeping with the spirit of their commitment that I should endeavor to acquire and use more of the superb equipment they have so diligently created. Considering the level of quality and the expense involved in their development and manufacture, the cost of such high-end, high-tech items is reasonable, if not totally justifiable. That’s what I tell myself — and my wife.

Affording such articles as the new fly rod I have in mind is likely to demand sacrifice on my part. I expect to have to forego a new suit and a pair of dress shoes and to make my neckties last yet another year.

I may also have to cut back on home-improvement projects and forsake having my pickup detailed in order to acquire the new butterfly deep-jigging outfits developed by Shimano. But this sort of self-denial seems appropriate in the larger scheme of things.

The Big Picture

Among the benefits of my newfound ability to keep to New Year’s resolutions, I have also noted a significant increase in my self-esteem.

This is not only reason to celebrate but also to commit to resolutions expanding other horizons in the coming year. Perhaps something that has to do with tropical destinations during February might be appropriate.

Going into 2008, I can only hope that I am able to maintain the resolution success level I have achieved in past years. Should you follow my example, I wish you the same high success I have experienced. For I’ve found that the whole year goes better when I keep my New Year’s Resolutions.

Happy New Year!

Event Alert

Mark your calendar for the 2008 Tiefest Fly-Tying and Fly-Fishing Exposition on February 16 at a new, a larger spot, the Kent Island Yacht Club, 117 Yacht Club Rd., Chester. Admission, as always, is free.

Luminaries such as Bob Popovics, Steve Farrar and Steve Silverio demonstrate their latest fly tying techniques and developments for saltwater fly-fishing and hobnob with fellow fishing enthusiasts. Fly rod and light tackle manufacturers with booths, equipment to try out, handouts and equipment raffles are: Sage, G. Loomis, St. Croix and Temple Fork Fly Rod companies as well as Ted Jurazic, the Tibor and Billy Pate Reel Manufacturers and Ross Reels.

The Kent Island Coastal Conservation Association’s Tony Friedrich and Ed Luccione organize Tiefest, with the support of Boatyard Bar and Grill and Winchester Creek Outfitters, the Evening Rise and Salisbury Fly Shops.

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