Online Resources for New Year's Resolutions

In an effort to inaugurate 2012, you're planning on munching on decadent appetizers, lighting illegal fireworks and popping more bottles than T.I. But after the ball drops, and you wake up with a hangover that a two-week supply of drugstore painkillers can't help, you realize that your 2012 outlook isn't as optimistic as it seemed the night before and all of your lofty resolutions seem more like a fantasy wish-list than achievable goals.

Everyone loves the idea of a new year as a fresh start, an opportunity to pursue a new endeavor, a chance to make better choices and to redeem bad ones we made in 2011. While there's nothing wrong with believing that 2012 will be the year that we'll actually follow through on our goals, many of us give up after a few weeks when we start to lose momentum and slip back into our old, comfortable routines. But before we regress into old habits let's not forget that we live in the information age, where an abundance of resources and support are just a few clicks away.

Here are the most popular resolutions accompanied with online resources that can help us on our path to follow through on new personal commitments for 2012. Happy New Year!

Popular Resolution # 1: Lose Weight.

Whether it's 10 lbs. or 100, many people aspire to improve their diet and exercise routine in the new year. If you're looking to revise your diet, FoodFit.com offers low fat recipes, and healthy eating tips. Counting calories? An online food journal may help you stay on track. FitDay offers a free and relatively simple way to keep tabs on what you're consuming. Need a place to workout? Gymticket.com can help you snag a guest pass to check out local gyms.

Popular Resolution # 2: Quit Smoking.

Smoking is a health risk, but quitting can be an uphill battle. Search for advice, or send instant messages to an expert on the subject at Smokefree.gov . Can't stop cold turkey? Shopping for Nicorette products is now easier than ever. Find them online at CVS , Walgreens , or even Amazon.com !

Popular Resolution # 3: Quit Drinking.

For tips on how to kick the drinking habit completely, visit Stopdrinkingadvice.org . Aimed at a younger demographic, collegedrinkingprevent.gov features research and studies on alcohol consumption and information on how to drink less.

Popular Resolution # 4: Save Money.
In the midst of the current worldwide economic crisis, who isn't keeping a watchful eye over their finances? For free software to help keep money organized, check out QuickBooks . Looking for cash-saving tips? Check out BusinessWeek's article, "25 Ways to Save More Each Month." For articles on how to get more bang for your buck, browse product reviews and ratings on ConsumerReports.org .

Popular Resolution # 5: Reduce Stress.

For tips on understanding and managing stress, check out WebMD.com or download a guided meditation session on Audio Dharma to find inner peace!

Popular Resolution #6: Get Organized.

Living space in disarray? Check out OrganizedHome.com for advice on how to clean house. Think you might need to get more organized at work? Check out this quiz from Online Organizing to see how you rate. Students can benefit from this ehow article on how to get organized for school.

Popular Resolution #7: Take a Vacation.

We all need a chance to recharge and have some fun! Discover new destinations and get inspired by visiting National Geographic Traveler's website . Once you've found a getaway destination, check Hotwire.com for inexpensive vacation packages.

Popular Resolution #8: Help Others.

Helping others can be a great way to meet new people, build self esteem and improve the local community. Search for volunteer opportunities by logging on to VolunteerMatch.org . Don't have time to volunteer? Make a donation to a worthy charity at CharityNavigator.org .

Popular Resolution #9: Learn Something New.

Browse through new potential hobbies at DiscoverAHobby.com . If you've longed to be fluent in a new language, search Word2Word.com for free online courses in everything from Latin to Gaelic!

Popular Resolution #10: Become Financially Independent.

For tips on how to become more financially independent, visit About.com's Financial Independence series .