I have always said, in recent years, that I do not make new year’s resolutions. I set in writing my aspirations for the new year. People sort of laugh and say what’s the difference?

The dictionary says:

as·pi·ra·tion –noun
1. strong desire, longing, or aim; ambition
2. a goal or objective desired

res·o·lu·tion –noun
1. a formal expression of opinion or intention made, usually after voting, by a formal organization, a legislature, a club, or other group.
2. a resolve or determination

I guess if I use a resolve or determination for my definition of resolution, I could make those at the new year. I really look more at my aspirations to be goals. They are definitely, in some areas of my life, desires and longings. While there is not much difference between the two words, I will continue to set in writing my aspirations as opposed to resolutions.