It’s too hard to

improve.

It’s too hard to improve.

a) Friends and colleagues accept habits – good and bad.b) Habits are part of personality; hard to change. For example, smoking, being on time.c) Job you do, way you act, etc. – all determined by events in the past.d) If you can’t change or improve, why try? Accept yourself.

I agree.

It’s too hard to improve.I disagree.

a) Change is difficult, not impossible. If you try hard enough, you can stop smoking, learn to be on time.b) Giving up bad habits just requires will power.c) Worth trying, even if you fail. You’ll learn something about your self; see yourself as others see you.d) You may do better than you think. Accept the challenge.

Take a stand.

1. Charlie Brown made a list of resolutions to become “a better person.” If you made up such a list, would you show it to someone else? Why? Why not?

2. Do you think it’s good to decide to be a better person? Why? Why not?

3. What is your opinion of Lucy’s decision “to spend this whole year regretting the past”? Why do you feel that way?

4. Lucy tried to improve once, but it was too hard. What advice would you give her? Why?

Discussion Points

1. At New Year’s many people make lists of “New Year’s Resolutions.” These are lists of things about their lives that they intend to change during the coming year. Have you ever made a list like this? When? What kinds of things were on your list? People don’t always keep such resolutions. Why?

2. What do you do if you try something once and fail? Why?

3. What can we learn from cartoon characters like Charlie and Lucy?

Two Proverbs

A stitch in time saves nine.

Better late than never.

Explain what each proverb means. How do they relate to the subject of this lesson – making changes in your life?