In Ecuador, people celebrate the new year by burning effigies in the streets.

Ah, sweet memories.

In Indiana, however, the local authorities frown upon such celebrations. It’s too bad. Since setting things on fire is out of the question, I’ve decided to begin the new year by making some resolutions.

I’m sharing these resolutions on TMTF in order to make them official. After all, a resolution is much harder for me to forget (or ignore) once I’ve announced it publicly.

I will be focused, intentional and self-disciplined

I’ve squandered countless hours on the Internet: reading trivial articles, watching pointless videos and generally wasting time. I’ve also lost many hours due to procrastination, poor planning and sheer aimlessness. This year I intend to invest my time, not merely to spend it.

I will finish the manuscript for The Wanderings of Lance Eliot

I wrote about this resolution in my last post, so there’s not much left to say. This year Lance Eliot shall resume his journey. I hope we both survive it.

I will not be anxious, insecure or obsessive-compulsive

I can’t control my feelings. However, I can control my actions. This year I’ll try to remember what the Apostle Paul wrote about love, which “always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” That’s a good example to follow.

I will improve my Spanish

My grasp of the Spanish language—a dodgy thing at the best of times—has weakened severely since my graduation from high school. How do I intend to study the language? By watching cartoons in Spanish, of course.

I will grow sideburns like the Tenth Doctor’s

Saving the universe? Bah! A negligible accomplishment compared to having such awesome hair.

During his tenure as the protagonist of Doctor Who, David Tennant boasted some splendid sideburns. This year I’ll strive to grow sideburns of comparable majesty.

I will take steps forward

Now that my life has settled down, I must start planning for years ahead. This year I intend to look into future career options.

Have a truly fantastic new year, dear reader!

Do you have any resolutions for the new year that you’re willing to share? Let us know in the comments!