#548 happy new year

Instead of waiting until January 1 to make new year's resolutions, why not start today?  It will give you an extra month's head start on whatever intentions you make.  Think about it:

> Weight goals -- you can cut back on the holiday treats or beverages and be ahead just by staying at your current weight instead of gaining those five extra pounds over the holidays

> Budgeting -- by being sensible with gift-giving and not going overboard on your credit cards, your finances will start the year in much better shape

> Relationships -- many of us have time off over the holidays, and you can make good on your pledge to spend more time with family or friends

> Fitness goals -- ask Santa for a gym membership, pedometer, workout clothes or personal training services.  You'll also have the option to walk an extra 300,000 steps in December if you fit in your recommended 10,000 steps/day!

> Service -- the end of the year is a great time to make extra contributions or volunteer your time wrapping presents, delivering gifts, staffing the holiday fund raising events

> Stop smoking -- You'll be surrounded by activity and the support of those who love you -- it might make it easier than trying it on your own in the boredom of January.

No matter what your new year's resolutions will be, making them (and working on them!) now will have you heading into 2014 further ahead than most people are on February 1.  Here's toasting to your end of year success!

-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com

@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com