Why do these New Year’s resolutions always mean restrictions?

When each new year rolls around it brings a slew of resolutions -- almost always destined to fail and almost always designed to be a lifestyle subtraction. Taking off pounds or giving up drinking probably head most of these vows for the coming year -- but whatever the resolution, why a negative, why is something being taken away? 

Why not promise to be kinder, pay it forward, do something good for somebody else, if not daily, weekly? Why not a positive, which these resolutions never seem to be.

Related Posts
Why do these New Year’s resolutions always mean restrictions?
Out and About in Columbia
Why do these New Year’s resolutions always mean restrictions?
Support for lobster industry spreads as Maine faces federal challenge
Why do these New Year’s resolutions always mean restrictions?
Track and Field Coming to Jonesport-Beals High School This Spring