So I ran out to do some errands.  While lusting over  leather bags in Roots, the fun loving clerks notice a shopping bag on my shoulder. “What kind of deals are going on at New Balance today?  I’m going to have to check it out on my break because everyone is carrying their bags.” Now, I had just gotten new trainers because I somehow got talked into running a race in 2 weeks with our beloved Canadian Living editor Jen Reynolds, and figured I better get training. But it only took me a moment to say “it’s because everyone’s New Year’s resolution is to go to the gym.” And it’s true, every year by the droves, people drag their holiday-sodden bodies into the gyms and out onto the streets to start a new year on a new foot. But you know, I’ve always thought resolutions were just setting yourself up for failure.  The expectation is so big, gets hyped up so much, and then by the end of January, or Valentine’s if you’re really lucky, the resolves are all tucked away with last year’s Christmas tinsel, never to be seen again. Let’s face it, after the holiday build up and chaos, the real goal is setting on the couch to decompress (aka catch up on last season’s Top Model or Gossip Girl.) So why do we as a culture do that? Why do we purposely set ourselves up like that? By my thinking, our resolutions should be achievable and pleasurable things like eat more chocolate.  Or drink more champagne.  Or spend more time with the girls.  Or a combination of all 3. Because then, if you succeed, you win, and if you don’t, well, you’ve won too.