New Year's resolutions a time-honored tradition

According to a recent poll by USA Today, aside from weight loss, adults are focusing on self-improvement when making resolutions. However, a majority of Americans don't make a resolution at all.

The poll shows that 66 percent of Americans do not make a resolution, while 19 percent resolve to be more adventurous in their lives. Advancing education took the No. 3 spot, with 11 percent taking an art course and learning a foreign language sharing the fourth spot with 8 percent. Rounding out the top five, with 4 percent, was learning to play a musical instrument.

Two Fort coworkers have different views on resolutions. Dee Ann Davis said she makes a resolution every year, but with a little twist. Rather than making the usual resolution to lose weight or be more active, she tries to make her resolutions mean something more.

"I make one every year," Davis said. "I would like it to be fun."

In the past, Davis has tried to stretch her boundaries. Growing up in a conservative environment, Davis shied away from certain things, such as firearms. She said a few years ago she decided to branch out and participate in a hunter's safety course, as well as a National Rifle Association training course geared toward women. She didn't do it alone, either; she got her mother and other family members to join her. Another year, she decided to read books that were considered bad influences, such as the Harry Potter series and she made a resolution to learn more about her family.

"One year my resolution was to do family research with the ultimate goal being to qualify for membership in the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution)," she said. "It was a very interesting adventure. You'd be surprised what you find in your family tree."

In contrast, Davis' coworker Terri Townsend has not made a resolution in years.

"I don't make them ... I've always broken them," Townsend said. "I never stick to it."

This year, however, Townsend and Davis are teaming up to start a book club.