The New Year is upon us, a time that signals new beginnings. Most would agree that 2009 was a heck of a year, to say the least, but who isn’t ready to start anew? Keeping with ritual, many of us will make New Year’s resolutions vowing to lose weight, stop smoking, get out of debt, find a better job, go back to school, be less stressed, or start enjoying life. Whatever the goal, change is not always easy, especially when it comes to self improvement. It’s going to take more than energized thinking motivated by New Year’s enthusiasm to get started and progress for more than a few weeks, if that long, without running out of steam. So, what’s your plan when failure comes knocking? 

One of my goals for 2010 is a writing project. I’m bound and determined not to live in a would’ve, should’ve’, could’ve mold, in essence - procrastination. Being in the same place next year without any progress toward this goal is NOT an option. I’ll keep you posted on my progress.

New Year’s resolutions are seldom thought of in terms of community service. With all that’s going on in the world, consider getting involved in the community or charitable organization. Help out at a school, shelter, hospital or charity. Perhaps write a check with all of the money that will be saved from cutting back on the fast food, cigarettes and the rest.    

Let’s truly make 2010 a year of change. I predict that you will feel great when you start enjoying life, get out of debt and have a little extra money in your pocket, all while feeling pretty darn good about sharing yourself in the process.

Happy New Year!