Ten New Year's Resolutions You'll Break This Year

Every year, millions of Americans make a resolution to lose weight, quit smoking, lead a healthier lifestyle, make more money, or pursue their dreams. But every year, millions of Americans gain weight, eat more junk food, stay at their boring jobs, and sell themselves short. Why not break the pattern of your past few years and make a resolution that actually works? Try these tips and suggestions to get over the most common resolutions without setting yourself up for disaster; you'll live a brighter, happier year and can look forward even more rewarding resolutions for 2008!

1. "I want to lose weight." Throw away the diet books, the fad food combinations, the magical formulas that promise overnight results, and set yourself up for a healthy eating plan instead. Eat natural foods as much as possible, and slowly incorporate them into your diet even if it's one meal at a time. Resolve to conquer breakfast in January, lunch in February, and maybe your dessert cravings in March. Make a plan that works for you, make it fun, and stick with it! Start exercising daily, even for 20-30 minutes and your energy will soar.

2. "I want to quit smoking." Smoking is a very addictive habit, and the longer you've been smoking, the harder it will be to break the immediate gratification of that cigarette. Still, take small but achievable steps to get you to your nearest goal. Start using a patch or gum. Chew on sugar-free candy when your cravings are the strongest. Or, team up with a friend to achieve your goal together; a buddy system can make the toughest days more manageable.

3. "I want to feel healthy." There's no doubt that eating right, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep are essential for your overall well-being. Learn some rnatural relaxation techniques such as meditation or even yoga to boost your positive feelings naturally.

4. "I want to make more money." If you don't have options to change jobs, take a look at your monthly budget and see what you can control or adjust. Set some realistic expectations for what you can save, and what you're willing to do without each month. The more tangible your goals, the more likely you can overcome them one by one.

5. "I need to cut back on caffeine." Caffeine is an addictive ingredient found in coffee, tea, chocolate, and soda. It's hard to break the habit completely, usually leaving you with headaches and severe withdrawal symptoms. Cut back gradually by switching to Green Tea which provides the added benefits of antioxidants. You'll feel better in just a few days, and will quickly learn to function with much less!

6. "I want to pursue my dream business." If you're an entrepreneur at heart, fuel your passion for your dream by reading and learning as much as possible about your industry. Subscribe to some trade magazines, begin a growing journal, or create a website of your company to see what it will look like when it's put together. Just get started, and see where it takes you!

7. "I want to make new friends." This is a tough one when you're already settled in a tight circle of friends and acquaintances. It's especially challenging if you're shy to begin with, so take small steps to get to know different people. Join a club or local group activity where you'll instantly share a common interest. Go on a blind date. Attend a few more social functions on the weekends, and make future plans with at least one person.

8. "I want to travel more." Set aside a monthly budget for traveling plans; even if you don't purchase a ticket for a new destination each month, save the money towards a future trip. Not only will you get better at saving, but you'll have a new goal to work towards that will get you through the not-so-bright days.

9. "I want to learn a new sport/activity." Make a commitment to a short class or group activity lesson in your local area, and 'test' out the waters. This way you won't over commit yourself right away, and still have time to enjoy the activity. If it works, great! If not, move on to something else. This year, resolve not to let fear hold you back.

10. "I want to be more organized." Organization is a skill, whether it's organizing your office, your finances, your kitchen cupboard, or your closet. Tackle one small project each week, and learn the basic skills slowly; you'll have much better luck branching out into all areas of your life when you get the confidence in even the seemingly smallest parts of your life. Slow and steady is the key!

The most common New Years resolutions center around some basic lifestyle habits that have gone unchallenged over the years. Don't be afraid to take the steps to break your common patterns; you'll be more confident, secure, and prepared for next year's challenges. . .and rewards as a result!