This reporter decided to brave the wind and cold to discover what resolutions people planned to make for the new year. 

I chose to spend the noon hour at Dueling Brews in Becker. It was Sat., Dec. 20, and the most common response to my question about their New Year’s resolution was, “I haven’t thought about it yet.”

Dueling Brews Staff

While ordering a Gingerbread Chai, I asked the busy staff about their upcoming resolutions, which ignited a conversation amongst themselves. Manager Jimmy Pudlick shared that he tries not to make them because “he’s sad when he breaks them.”  He turned and chided Ray Clark, who was working the drive-thru, to tell him to resolve to score a goal this year. Then, everyone laughed and said his goal should be to be nicer to all his employees.

Courtney Gass wanted to be more present, Jada Soltau vowed to resolve to be more patient. They both suggested to Payton Treptau that she should increase her vertical in the upcoming year. Payton plays volleyball and agreed. Ray decided to work more next year.

Introspective Perspective

John and Tricia Handorff of Big Lake were seated at the bar and said it was too early to think about resolutions, but with a little prodding offered this. “Do less drinking, lose some weight,” said John.

Tricia said, “Work less, travel more.” 

John agreed, saying, “I’m not going to argue with the wife. If she’s doing it, I’m doing it too.”

As we spoke further, they became more reflective, sharing that the older they got, the less material things mattered to them. They both decided to resolve to spend more time with family and their grandchildren.

Quit Making Resolutions

Justina Hendrick from Sauk Rapids was visiting Dueling Brews because she has been thinking about opening a coffee shop herself. She does not make resolutions, sharing, “If you’re thinking about tomorrow, you’re missing what is happening right now.”

John and Linda Dickes traveled from Ramsey to end up at their favorite coffee shop. They were finishing their Christmas shopping and out delivering presents.

John explained, “We used to (make resolutions), but as we’ve gotten older, we’ve stopped.” 

In the past, they resolved to be healthier and set goals for themselves, but never really succeeded in any of them, forgetting about them a few months later. Life always seemed to get in the way for them, and maybe that is what prevents us all from fulfilling our New Year’s resolutions. We get busy living the lives we have.