‘How can you make 2011 a happier year for yourself? By thinking of others.’
This may not be the main reason for “doing good”, but according to Professor Susan Blackmore, psychologist and writer, there are benefits for everyone from resolving to think more socially at the New Year.
She was responding to the launch of Resolution Revolution, a project with a stand-alone website and schools resources launched this December to encouraging ‘Revolutionaries’ to resolve to do something for someone else in 2011. A “social resolution” may be a small thing like joining the organ donor register or sweeping a neighbour’s icy path, or a bigger commitment like volunteering with a local charity or tackling a local issue that is important to you. There are lots of ideas at the Resolution Revolution site where you can find out how to make effective resolutions and sign up for reminders to help you stay on track and make sure your achieve your resolution for 2011.
‘It’s about more than donating money or “liking” something on Facebook,’ Susan Blackmore explains. ‘Resolution Revolution is about getting involved and doing things.
‘What would you like your new year’s resolution to do? Make you thinner, healthier, happier? That’s great in principle – but we all know how hard it is to keep New Year resolutions, especially if they’re all based around not really feeling all that good about yourself. Joining Resolution Revolution means you turn your efforts out to others instead of in. You may even find this is the way to a happier 2011 for you too, making it easier to stick to your own personal resolutions.
‘As research shows, getting involved and helping others helps the helper too. So make this year’s resolution one that really works.’
The British Humanist Association is supporting Resolution Revolution and hopes outward looking, “social” resolutions will become a new tradition.
Professor Blackmore interviewed comedians Al Murray, Ed Byrne, Stewart Lee, Richard Herring and all the participants back stage at Robin Ince’s sell out rationalist Christmas show ‘Nine Lessons and Carols for Godless People’. You can find out about their own resolutions at on YouTube.
The BHA has a network of affiliated groups and humanist celebrants across the country. We would be happy to arrange interviews for national or local media via joanne@humanists.uk.
One of the main perspectives of the humanist approach is that individual responsibility, social cooperation and mutual respect are vital. By taking positive action, people can solve the problems of society by actively engaging with each other and basing their actions on shared human values.
Visit the Resolution Revolution website.
To run a Resolution Revolution project at a school early this year or for 2012 see humanists.uk/resolution-revolution.