Top Five New Year's Resolutions and Ways to Keep Them

It's a long standing tradition, as the New Year rolls in, bad habits roll out. Well, that's the theory anyway. In my opinion here are the Five most common, hardest to keep and biggest New Year's Resolutions people swear they will accomplish. I won't guarantee success, but if you follow some good ol' midwest common sense this year's New Year's Resolutions may be off your list next year.

1. LOSE WEIGHT: After the holidays we've either packed on a few pounds, or after trying on those holiday outfits, we realize how much we gained over the year. Here are a few ideas that have worked for me when I made this New Year's Resolution.

A. Join an organized weight loss group: There are many different weight loss organizations, such as Weight Watchers, or TOPS. What works for these programs is the support you get, reasonable plans and companionship of others. For me, if I can go with someone, I have great success. 50 lbs and counting!

B. Dish it and Lose it: Another trick that has helped me is to dish my plate like usual, but then put back half of it. You can leave all the vegetables, even take more as filler. Wait a few minutes after you finish your meal, and if you are still REALLY hungry, you can have more. Usually you will find that half was enough.

C. This is my sister's rule. "If it tastes good....Spit it out!" Now that's a New Year's Resolution!

2. SAVE MONEY: I work at a financial institution and we often get customers trading in change. Some will bring in small cans and get $40 or more. So my suggestion for this New Year's Resolution, is to start dumping that change in your pockets or purse, daily. Save it in some special place, not that special place where you put things to keep them safe, never to be found again, but an accessible location for unloading that change. You can save it for a long time, or cash it in regularly and put it in a savings account. You'll be surprised how quickly it adds up.

3. GET HOUSEHOLD FIX-UPS DONE: Don't we all have a million little jobs to do around the house? Often if we set out to tackle them all, we get overwhelmed. I have done mega-weekends and gotten quite a bit accomplished, but in the long haul I have found that doing about 1/2 hour a day gets the most done. I do one small part of the project a day. Like kitchen cabinets, to clean them all, sort and repack, is truly an all day job, but I have done one set a day, and it was finished in no time. Many major tasks can be done in sections when you look at the actual goal. I retiled my living, dining room the same way. I did one small section at a time. Some people, of course can't live with things torn up, but it worked for me, and I didn't wreck my knees, or get totally exhausted and cabinets are off my list for this New Year's Resolution.

4. SPEND MORE TIME WITH THE FAMILY: Here's another New Year's Resolution that is far easier said than done. Do you have a pet, that needs exercise? Do you need exercise? Why not combine all three? Pet-Fit-Chat. Get the family together, put a leash on the dog and take a walk around the block. Everyone has time to talk about the day, plans, chit chat, the dog enjoys the exercise and the companionship, and all of your family members get fit too. Exercise for the body, soul and mind!

5. VOLUNTEER MORE: This New Year's Resolution helps you and those you work with. This year take a different view of how to Volunteer. Do you have a skill, or hobby you can share? You might be surprised what you can teach others. If you have children in school, talk to the teachers and let them know what skills you can offer. Pehaps you can teach the class about quilting, or auto mechanics. Schools today cover such a wide variety of subjects, nearly everyone can offer some enrichment activities. Time is a commodity in short supply so, these miniclasses do not require such a long term commitment. Maybe you have a special Show and Tell you can share. Assisted Living facilities also deeply appreciate any outside interaction you might be able to offer. Animal shelters always need dog walkers. Get fit with a new friend. If you can't physically go to organizations, how about making items they can use. Pet blankets, baby blankets, premie clothes. Project Linus takes in knitted and crocheted items for those in need. Check with your local hospitals and Police stations if they are in need of similar items. Volunteering should be as enjoyable for you as the recipients.

I hope my DOWN HOME solutions to some of the most popular New Year's Resolutions will work for you.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!