Stalking the Wild Resolution.

How to follow through on your New Year's Day promises

Resolutions are slippery animals. Millions are captured each year--sometimes on paper. Most are taken on December 31, moments before the stroke of midnight, and will make their escape within weeks (the wilier ones within hours). Those captured on paper are the most dangerous, since if they escape, they will return to gloat the following December 31 and are even harder to catch a second time.

It appears that the dropping of the apple on New York's Times Square has something to do with the fevered desire to trap a resolution or two. Resolutions, which are forgotten the other 364 days of the year, are suddenly a very desirous trophy. As a result, hapless resolutions are gathered snarling from their places of hibernation. Once captured, however, they become quite menacing.

It is important to observe a few precautions before you begin to stalk a wild resolution. First, go with a group. A family situation is ideal. Resolutions are not as wary of a familial unit. Also, the members of the family can encourage each other in pursuit of the resolution.

Next be sure to choose a resolution that is within the reach of all family members. Take into account each member's age and activity level. Younger family members will benefit from visual stimulation. Make a chart, illustrated with pictures if possible. Clearly show the rewards for successful pursuit of the resolution.

There are many breeds and types of resolutions to choose from. The best way to decide on which type you would like to acquire is to have input from all family members. This is best done by having a family council meeting (preferably with pizza or some other fun, hands-on food, as this seems to increase member participation in decision-making). Some things to consider as you choose your resolutions include:

* Identify whether the resolution is spiritual (pray together each evening as a family, commit to family worship, participate in a volunteer project), physical (walk each night as a family, join a baseball team as a family, have family olympics at your church), or emotional (institute a weekly family fun night, start having family councils, take a family vacation).

* Make sure each member, from the oldest to the youngest, knows his/her responsibilities in pursuing the resolution. Spell out clearly what is required and be lavish with praise.

* While chasing the resolution (let's say of volunteering together as a family), have short-term immediate rewards (maybe after doing green-up on the town park you all go out to eat).

* Maintain an attitude of joy. This is important because resolutions, in addition to being slippery, are also quite sensitive on an emotional level. Joy is an effective bait, but attitudes like stern resolve, anger, or frustration repel them. You won't get within two miles of a resolution by being angry and demanding.

* Cultivate cooperation in your family unit. Resolutions are irresistibly drawn by this.

The nice thing about resolutions is that if you are fortunate enough (read: work hard and stay persistently cheerful) to actually catch and keep one, you will find that it becomes easier to keep more. They enjoy each other's company, and you may have to make a limit on the number you allow to stay with you at any given time, or you will be overrun with the little beggars.

When a little boy (OK, it was my son) asked the local director of the Humane Society if they had ever had to take care of dinosaurs, the answer was no. And they don't keep neglected resolutions, either. So be sure to tend to yours faithfully. Remember, a well-cared-for resolution is a beauty to behold and a joy forever. Or something like that.

Celeste perrino Walker resolves to keep on writing for Vibrant Life from her home in Rutland, Vermont.