It's a new year, and I'm already meeting the goals I set for myself.

How could such miracles be accomplished in less than two weeks?

Well, I didn't set any goals. Nothing beyond getting in my Ala Moana jogs, anyway.

I'm not down with New Year's resolutions.

What is the point of stringing together a list of things you hate about yourself?

Why revel in self-doubt? Why dissect your inner boils?

I've got plenty of flaws, and I don't want to waste energy trying to eliminate them.

We're all human. Our flaws make us interesting.

Think of the people you know who strive to be perfect people.

They're dull as dirt, right?

They'll never be flawless, of course. But they'll tell you all about their charity work, how they lost 10 pounds they didn't need to lose (or the equally boring corollary, how they intend to lose 10 pounds they don't need to lose), how they purify their bodies of toxins, how they restrain themselves from indulgences — and finally tell you how you can do the same.

Yawn.

All this attention on what's wrong with you can only lead to feeling bad about yourself.

Unless!

Maybe we can turn the process on its head. We could identify our flaws and extrapolate from that why they're cool.

For example, I can be pretentious — but only when it makes my friends laugh.

I can be oblivious to the experiences of others — but I'm quick to listen if they want to talk about them.

I can be judgmental — but it's usually because I'm right.

See? Flaws are fun.

For the record, I'm not a champion for mediocrity. I just think we need to be a little more Zen about ourselves.

Do you notice how obsessive self-loathing is a disease of people who have the things they really need?

Food? Check. Shelter? Check. Clothes? Got 'em. Friends? Sure. Live in Hawai'i? Lucky.

Nothing left but to wallow in a pool of inadequacy and suffer over the things you don't have, or wish to be someone you're not.

So don't step into the pool this year. Wash those resolutions right out of your hair.

Accept yourself.

You paid your taxes. You stuffed extra bills into the Salvation Army tins over the holidays and gave to hurricane relief. You exercised a little or a lot. You ate some broccoli. You told your friends and families you love them. You did a favor for somebody out of the goodness of your heart, maybe two or three.

Good enough. What, you need a Nobel?

Reach Christine Strobel at cstrobel@honoluluadvertiser.com.