Most of the time folks give up on their New Year’s resolutions pretty quickly. But, maybe if we get inspired by Woody Guthrie’s New Years Rulin’s and Henry Miller’s Commandments we’ll all be a bit more successful. Both men approach the idea with simplicity, a little humor, and self awareness.

So, whether you are resolving to build a better brand, a cuter home, or just do you — get inspired by a couple of old guys.

Click to enlarge. Via woodyguthrie.org 

Via henrymiller.org

Afternoons: Work on section in hand, following plan of section scrupulously. No intrusions, no diversions. Write to finish one section at a time, for good and all.

Evenings: See friends. Read in cafés. Explore unfamiliar sections – on foot if wet, on bicycle, if dry. Write, if in mood, but only on Minor program. Paint if empty or tired. Make Notes. Make Charts, Plans. Make corrections of MS.

Notes: Allow sufficient time during daylight to make an occasional visit to museums or an occasional sketch or an occasional bike ride. Sketch in cafés and trains and streets. Cut the movies! Library for references once a week.”