SUGGESTED NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS--for dogs, cats, parents, students, etc. etc.

Satterfield Cartoon, 1904

In the public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Resolution: what does that mean?

• Generally, a promise about better behavior. Fantastically better!
• Behavior change? Yes, exactly. You're going to download a behavior upgrade or even a new life orientation. Read my description of a resolution-making process in Switzerland. Scroll down to the "Dogma Chateau" section of "European Paths." 

Suggestions (some very straight, others with satire.)

For a student:

• I will give more attention to the teacher's instructions.

For a teacher:

• I'll treat every student equally according to his/her needs.

A parent:

• Give greater attention to rewarding good behavior. If I find any, that is..

An employee:

• I'll be thankful for my employment.
• I'll study my supervisor's obligations and help him/her meet them.

A resentful man or woman:

• I'll find something positive and forget the insult, the rejection--and do unto others as I'd have them do unto me if I were in their situation.

A family cat:

• I'll quit scratching the sofa.  (Update 1/1/2017: one cat owner suggests, "I'll meow less!" A musician countered: "I'll meow melodiously.") 

The family dog:

• I'll quit chasing the family cat.

For a blogger:

• I'll supply readers' needs, not just my own needs.

For a person with just a streak of independence:

• "I resolve to make my own resolution, thank you!"

For a national political figure (any nation, anywhere):

• I will prefer others to myself and behave extremely humbly before my God!

VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU!