New Year's Resolutions

It’s that time of year again. New Year’s Eve has always been a time for looking back to the past, and more importantly, forward to the coming year. It’s a time to reflect on the changes we want (or need) to make and resolve to follow through on those changes. It’s a time when we make a commitment to a project or the reforming of a habit, often a lifestyle change which is generally interpreted as advantageous. The name comes from the fact that these commitments normally go into effect on New Year’s Day and remain until fulfilled or abandoned, and is one example of a rolling forecast-method of planning. According to this method, plans are established at regular short or medium-term time intervals, when only a rough long-term plan exists. Are These Your Top Ten Resolutions for 2012? Spend More Time with Family and Friends - 50% of Americans vow to appreciate loved ones and spend more time with them. 1. Exercise More Consistently - Reduces stress, and a risk to some diseases, increases longevity, and helps maintain weight loss. Make sure you check with your doctor prior to starting any exercise regimen. 2. Tame the Bulge - Setting reasonable goals and staying focused are the two most important factors. 3. Quit Smoking - Smokers try about four times before they quit for good. So, don’t give up! Check with your doctor about safe and effective methods 4. Enjoy Life More - Get a hobby, enjoy the theatre, or just try something new…important steps to a happier and healthier you! 5. Quit Drinking - Use New Year’s as an incentive – but quitting cold turkey Is hard to do. Taper off or use other programs for support or help. 6. Get out of Debt - Big source of stress, but it’s a promise that will repay itself many times over in the year ahead. There are resources out there to assist people who are in over their heads 7. Learn Something New - Education is one of the easiest resolutions to keep. 8. Help Others- Popular, non-selfish resolution, volunteerism can take many forms, whether it’s helping, mentoring, and building – there are many non-profits that can use your help. 9. Get Organized - Organization can be a very reasonable goal to simply reduce the clutter in your life and find peace in your home or office. Recent research shows that whole 52% of participants in a resolution study were confident of success with their goals; only 12% actually achieved their goals. Men achieved their goal 22% more often when they engaged in goal setting, a system where small measurable goals are used (lose a pound a week, instead of saying “lose weight”) while women succeeded 10% more when they made their goals public and got support from friends. We wish you the best in accomplishing your New Year’s Resolutions in 2012!!