Our Opinion

New Year’s Eve is a time for looking back at the past, while looking forward to the coming year. This time for reflection is how we determine what changes we want, or need, to make. We then resolve to follow through on those changes.

It’s almost a certainty that New Year’s resolutions fall through the cracks and get forgotten as we go about our daily lives, fulfilling our duties as parents, students and employees, but that doesn’t stop us from making them in the first place.

The top 10 resolutions have been compiled by About.com. Perhaps one of your resolutions made the list.

Coming in at No. 10 is “getting organized.” Though it sounds like a reasonable goal, often times the task is too much to take on, and is one of the first resolutions tossed to the side. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give it a go if it’s on your list.

No. 9 is “help others.” If volunteerism isn’t on your list, it should be. Donating just a little time to a good cause is all it takes to make a big difference in someone’s life. These rough economic times provide ample opportunities to kick volunteerism to new all-time high levels.

“Learning something new” comes in at No. 8 on the resolution countdown. Most “learning something new” resolutions begin because you might want to learn a new language, or learn how to use the computer more efficiently. Often it becomes a time-consuming hobby, and one that also goes by the wayside. Maybe mixing No. 8 with No. 9 is a good way to accomplish both tasks at once.

No. 7 is a tough one. It’s “get out of debt.” If only it were as easy as it sounds, right? Well, one option to keep in mind is paying yourself first. Open a savings account and put a little savings in there first as though you were paying a bill. People who save first typically save more money than those who try to save with left-over funds at the end of the month. After all, there just aren’t enough leftover funds, are there?

No. 6 is a resolution to “quit drinking.” Quitting drinking is a drastic lifestyle change, and one few people are equipped to deal with on their own. If you resolve to quit drinking in the new year, we encourage you to seek out a support program to help you accomplish this amazing goal.

“Enjoying life more” comes in at No. 5 on the list. Given the hectic, stressful lifestyles of Americans, it’s no wonder this one enters the top 5. It’s important to remember what it takes to make a healthier, happier you. You aren’t much use to anyone if you’re burnt out, over-stressed or worse – dead. Take a minute to enjoy a walk or other stress-busting activity. The more physical activities could help out with resolution No. 3.

Before we get to that, there’s resolution No. 4 – “quit smoking.” Just like quitting drinking, quitting smoking is a huge lifestyle change, and many people fail as stress builds up leading to that next cigarette. If you can’t quit cold turkey, seek a quit-smoking aid to help you attain your goal.

No. 3, as referenced in No. 5, is to “tame the bulge.” Visions of a thinner, more active and more attractive you dance your head as you set this goal, only to get discouraged by the latest fad diet that doesn’t work with you. Taming the bulge can happen, and discussing a program with your doctor might be the key to making it happen.

No. 2 is “fit in fitness.” Not only has regular exercise been proven to reduce stress, but it could keep you on track to achieve No. 3. Exercise helps reduce the risk of some cancers, increases longevity, enhances mood and lowers blood pressure. Resolve to put the fit in fitness and you might find a happier, healthier you at the next new year.

“Spending more time with family and friends” tops the list at No. 1. It’s not always easy, especially for folks who don’t live close to family, but spending time could be as easy as a phone call. It’s a great way to remind yourself that you are loved, no matter how bad the world might seem.

Happy New Year, Sidney!