If we come at New Year's resolutions with a teeth-gritted determination to change, we inevitably defeat ourselves. Why? Because when we assume a fighting stance, bracing ourselves against temptations, we actually limit the resources that we bring to our challenge.

While all humans feel ashamed of weakness and afraid of rejection, our Western culture is a breeding ground for the kind of shame and self-hatred the Dalai Lama couldn't comprehend.

Addictions are a double-edged sword. They offer a form of comfort that, unfortunately, does not last and often leads to pain and discomfort. If we know this, why do we repeat harmful actions over and over again.

While I have nothing against cool clothes, exercise, and health drinks, let's get one thing straight: perfection is something that exists inside us, never from the outside.