1. Spend More Time With Friends and Family



It's easy to get so busy with work that you neglect your friends and family. Before you know it, your friends have found new people to spend time with and your family have grown up. Plan to meet up with your friends on a regular basis, whether it's for a meal or a movie. And make time to spend quality time with your family. You'll thank yourself for it.

2. Get fit

Face it, most people aren't as fit as they were in their younger days. Getting fit doesn't necessarily mean going to the gym 5 times a week. It could be as simple as parking further away in the parking lot, taking the stairs rather than the elevator and generally being less of a couch potato. You don't need Arnold Schwarzenegger's biceps to be fit...

3. Lose weight

This often goes hand in hand with getting fit. Choose an eating plan (notice I didn't say diet) that fits with your lifestyle. Then take the time to notice your food when you eat it rather than wolfing it down and paying no attention. Notice when you are full and stop eating, even if there's still food left on your plate. Start listening to your whole body rather than just eating "because".

4. Quit smoking

A lot of people vow to quit smoking at the start of the New Year. Often they're the same people you'll see gasping for a cigarette a couple days later. Plan your quitting. Treat yourself to a hypnosis session or CD/book combination. Buy this for yourself as a Christmas present if you're that organized. Then follow the program. It's cheaper and more effective than patches or gum and doesn't feed your body more nicotine.

5. Quit drinking

In the same way as smoking, a lot of people decide to quit drinking when the New Year arrives. The thought of hangover-free days and a healthier liver is good. Again, there are plenty of self-help programs that will assist with your quest to give up alcohol. Search around and you'll find one that works with you.

6. Get a better job

Many people use the New Year as an excuse to change their jobs. Make sure you don't leap from the frying pan into the fire by doing research on the new place you're planning to work for. Read up on resume and CV writing to make sure that your application stands out from the crowd. Maybe use a hypnosis or subliminal program to boost your confidence and presentation skills.

7. Help other people

This is a very popular New Years resolution. There are plenty of voluntary organizations that would appreciate some extra help and volunteering is easy. Check locally for a list of different charities and choose one that fits with your personal goals and aims. If you can't commit regularly, don't be afraid to say so. It's better to say "I can only help once a month" than to say you'll help every day or week and then not attend.