Resolve to be a Better You in the New Year

In 2008:
• I will quit smoking.
• I will lose weight.
• I will eat right to keep my cholesterol down.
• I will start to exercise.
• I will watch my diet so my diabetes stays in check.
• I will open a savings account.
• I will pay off my debt.
• I will not use my credit card.

Making a resolution is a great way to start the New Year. A resolution means that you resolve to do something different in your life. Each year many people make New Year's resolutions.

Perhaps you want to quit smoking. Make your resolution. Then cut back a little everyday. Or talk to your doctor about using a nicotine patch or nicotine gum. Find a friend who wants to quit smoking and make the same resolution. Encourage each other as the year goes on.

Make a resolution to begin an exercise program in 2008. Your resolution may be as simple as deciding to walk twenty minutes a day. Or resolve to take the stairs instead of the elevator. Exercise can lower your blood pressure and your weight. Make a resolution to eat healthier. This can lower your cholesterol or help keep your diabetes under control.

Manage your money
Maybe you need to do a better job managing your money. Make a resolution to make a budget and stick to it. The public library and book stores have books about how to set up a budget. If you have a lot of debt, talk to a credit counselor. A counselor can help you set up a debt management program. Make a resolution to stop using your credit card and just pay cash. Another good New Year's resolution might be to open a holiday saving account.

This will keep you from overspending during the holidays next year.

Making a New Year's resolution is a great way to make changes in you life. But be sure you set realistic goals for yourself. And take baby steps toward your goal. Trying to change something or give something up all at once can be a setup for failure. If you have a set back, look at it as an opportunity for growth. Think about what made it happen. Reset your goal, and get back on track the next day. Once you have made a small change you will realize it was not so hard. You will be motivated to keep moving forward with making the changes you want in your life for a truly Happy New Year.