New Year’s Resolutions to Consider

The New Year brings an opportunity to take a fresh look at issues we’ve been wrestling with and a chance to tackle them again. Here are a few suggestions for some achievable goals for the new year:

• The No. 1 New Year’s resolution in any year is getting in shape: There is no real mystery here – it all comes down to diet and exercise. It is a fact that 95 percent of those who try to crash diet the pounds off end up unsuccessful in the long run. Try simple changes to eliminate calories, like reducing your portions by just 10 percent and adding just 20 minutes of a simple exercise like walking to your daily routine.
• Get a physical examination from your doctor: Even if you feel fine, silent problems like high cholesterol and high blood pressure could reduce the length and quality of your life.  This is not a comfortable thing for people who are not in the best shape, but very important to face the facts so you can do something about it.  
• Take a look at your financial health: Now is a good time to make sure you have the right amount of life and property insurance to protect yourself or your family. Consider whether you are a candidate for long-term care insurance. Check your investments to see if they are in line with your long-term goals. Take a look at your credit history, and resolve to reduce high-interest debt.
• Get your legal affairs in order: If you have been promising to make out a will, set an appointment with an attorney today.
• Try to be a better listener: Whether at home or at work, listening is a gift you can give that costs you nothing. Listening does not involve solving the other person’s dilemma, that is their job, just listen. When offering support by listening actively, you can give family and friends just what they need to approach their own concerns in a new way.
• Reach out to your elderly relatives: They may covet their independence but they still need your help. Open a conversation aimed at finding out what kinds of assistance they might need and would accept. Even simple things like help with technology, lawn care, grocery shopping, or shoveling snow can be a good first step.
• For those with young children, try to take the words “hurry up” out of your vocabulary: Sit yourself down and strategize ways to make your morning and bedtime routines a little slower and saner. Your kids will thank you and when you look back on these times, you will be very happy to did.  

Consider ways in which you can be a force of good in the world.  There is certainly no shortage of need for that.  Resolve to do your part to make this world a better place.