The Slice: How to be the king of the new year

So maybe it’s not a great idea to start trying to abide by your New Year’s resolution today.

Perhaps it makes more sense to ease into it.

That’s why I’m suggesting you consider starting your self-improvement regimen a week from today.

As it happens, next Monday is Elvis Presley’s birthday. And here are seven reasons why that’s the perfect day to start on the road to a new, improved you.

7. If you base your resolution adherence plan on the plot points in “Viva Las Vegas” you will have as good a chance of succeeding as you might have if you don’t.

6. Elvis came to Spokane to perform on two different occasions.

5. No disrespect to the dead intended, but thinking about the way Elvis looked near the end of his life should be excellent weight-loss motivation.

4. The title of one Elvis movie was “Follow That Dream.”

3. The title of another Elvis movie was “Change of Habit.”

2. Taking Care of Business is what Elvis called his band.

1. Though unquestionably a big talent, Elvis occasionally sounded like he was singing with his mouth full.

Survivor guilt: If you lost someone in 2017, starting the new year can almost feel like callously leaving that person behind. But it’s not disloyal. It’s just life. And you’re not the first to have felt this way.

Warm-up questions: Does starting a new year on a Monday somehow feel logical to you? Will Tuesday now feel like Monday? Were you at the Rose Bowl on this date 20 years ago? Have all other WSU postseason appearances since seemed like pipsqueak affairs in comparison?

Today’s Slice question: How do you plan to prepare yourself to take on 2018?

A) Watch Kurt Russell, in the 2004 film “Miracle,” deliver the Herb Brooks speech before the game against the Soviets. “This is your time.” B) Watch Kenneth Branagh, in the 1989 film “Henry V,” deliver the pre-battle Saint Crispin’s Day speech. “We few, we happy few, we band of brothers.” C) Read Anne Lamott’s “Bird by Bird.” D) Have some Powdermilk Biscuits. E) Watch Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch in 1962’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” as he delivers his summation to the jury. “Do your duty.” F) Go online and read the stories of some of those awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, including an account of Joe E. Mann’s unforgettable heroism. G) Other.

Write The Slice at P. O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210; call (509) 459-5470; email pault@spokesman.com. The Fourth of July is on a Wednesday this year, so good luck making it part of a long weekend.