We, at the GPD HQ, are very excited about what 2013 has in store for us. Primarily because we are young and stupid, and therefore sure that there is nothing life can throw at us that we can’t handle (except zombies). And much like you all, every year when the resolution conundrum arises we decide to cut back on alcohol, learn to cook and join the gym. Unfortunately, by the time it gets to February we’re heading down the pub after a takeaway to complain about membership fees for a place we’ve never been. So we decided to cobble together some achievable (we hope) New Year resolutions that may not revolutionise your life but will hopefully make the next year that bit more interesting.
1. Learn a magic trick
Magic is underrated; it is also fun, skillful and can be useful for breaking an awkward silence at a party. Equally it may make you appear a bit odd, but everyone needs a better icebreaker than “So I hear you work in IT…”
2. Win
Many parents like to tell their children that it is the taking part that counts. If that was the case why is everything in life a competition? From the X-Factor to the Olympics everyone is in it to win it, so this year make sure you win something. It doesn’t matter if it’s a game of monopoly, a bet down the casino or a game of badminton with your four year old niece just make sure this time next year you have won something. Remember second place is just the same as first loser.
3. Eat new animals (and/or veggies)
Charles Darwin was a member of the Gourmet Club when he attended Cambridge University. The club’s members met up with the goal of eating one of every animal alive. While it may not be all that great for the environment, it will certainly open up your taste buds to new experiences. There are plenty of places popping up where you can eat everything from Kangaroo Burger to Alligator Stew and Zebra steak. However, we do ask that you be careful with your selections and say no to any and all endangered species.
4. Be more social with social media
Facebook is a great way of keeping in touch with people, but it does not seem to be used enough for this. Rather than stalking them why not arrange to meet up with old friends. A lot of people resolve to keep a diary at New Year; why bother when social media is the best tool to reminisce?
5. Stop on the motorway
Most of us will drive up and down the motorway regularly throughout the year. Next time rather than stopping at the depressing service station with the overpriced coffee shop, take a short detour to the village with the funny name. You never know you may find something interesting, or at very least an affordable newsagent, quaint tea shop and reasonable pub lunch.
6. Go in disguise
Nothing big, we’re not suggesting go full camo paint, just something small and fun. Why not go out one day wearing something you would never normally wear or when they ask for your name at Starbucks pretend it is something humorous like Hugh Jazz.
7. Write
It doesn’t have to be a book but it could be if you want. You could write a blog, a short article for a local newspaper or even just a letter to an elderly relative. If you want you can even write for us.
8. Read
Like talking and listening, reading and writing are two sides of the same coin. The old saying goes you have two ears for listening and one mouth for talking so you should listening twice as much as you speak. Well you also have two eyes for reading and two hands for writing, some people can write with their feet so the saying does not transfer that well. The point is you should read a lot, everything; books, newspapers, magazines, websites and blogs (especially this one).
9. Visit Pubs
Try and see as many new pubs (coffee shops) and try as many local ales (baked goods) as you can in a year. Some may be good, some may be bad but hopefully it will hopefully give you something to talk about next time you visit your local.
10. Be Nice
Goes without saying really. Next year be nice.
From everyone here at the Great Pub Debate, have a happy New Year!
