New Years Resolutions

The New Year means a new start for many people. It is a time to wipe the slate clean and start fresh; the common way to do this is by making a New Years resolution. To have a successful New Years resolution, plan ahead. If you are going to diet, start changing over the types of foods in the cabinets and in the refrigerator prior to the first of the year.

These are some common New Years resolutions and how to prepare ahead of time to be successful at keeping them.

• Loose weight - research and choose a diet. Start filling the cabinet and refrigerator with foods on the diet. Get a physical before the end of the year and consult with a doctor if it is a large weight loss that is planned.

• Save money - open a savings account before the end of the year. Deposit the minimum required. If your bank allows it, set up a small automatic deposit each month from another account.

• Organize the house - have a few helpful organizing books on hand and some storage containers. Purchase an inexpensive labeler. Christmas decorations will be a good place to start. Have large trash bags on hand to sort items for the trash and items to give away.

• Stay in contact with friends and family - start gathering emails addresses, phone numbers, birthdays, and postal addresses. Set aside one day a month (first Saturday of the month or whatever works), that you will do something to stay in touch with family and friends. List ways to stay in touch. Letters, email, sharing photos, phone calls, birthdays, etc.

• Visit with friends and family - pick 6 times a year that family and friends can plan to get together. Holidays may fill some of the slots. It can also be the first Saturday of each odd numbered month so that people can plan ahead. The locations can change and rotate.

• Quit smoking - this is among the most commonly broken New Year’s resolution. Think first about this one! Before you commit to it, visit your doctor and see what kind of support is available. Have everything in place to begin on the first.

• Get into better shape - this is a good one to do with a friend or a buddy. Decide how you want to do it (walking, jogging, joining a gym, sports, etc) and then start asking around to find someone with the same resolution who wants to do the same thing you are.

Resolutions are NOT made to be broken. You can have a successful New Years resolution with a little preparation.