Top 10 New Year's Resolutions

In 2007 I want to lose weight, get a well paying job, get some security, graduate, eat better, find love, and get my college debt under control. Phew! That is a big list. Yet every year people make promises to themselves no matter how daunting it will be to see them through. Bringing in the New Year causes great hope with in all of us. The hope of a new beginning, a second or third chance and a fresh start. Here are the top ten most common New Year's Resolutions.

10. Get Organized. Whether its your desk that has Christmas bills cascading onto the floor, a bedroom that looks like the closet exploded, or a work area that's gotten out of control, we wish every year to fix the problem and promise (cub scout honor) to keep it clean for the rest of the year.

9. Volunteering. Maybe its the Holiday season that inspires us to be so giving or maybe we have always wanted to be more involved in the community but come New Years Eve we are ready to promise to be more involved in charities and non profit organizations. Not just donating money but being hands on like in a soup kitchen.

8. New Lessons. Most people decide that in the new year they are going to do something enjoyable. Something good for themselves like picking up a new language or promising to read more. Improving oneself inellectually is a great foot to start off on in the New Year. Take advanced computer classes or take an evening art class.

7. Contolling debt. When we begin purchasing for the Holidays we over indulge with the promise that this is the last time we are going to overspend. In January, we tell ourselves, we will buckle down, clip coupons, and get those credit cards under control. We also make valient declarations to get our other debts taken care of like student and home equity loans.

6. Giving up alcohol. After waking up with a hangover from the New Years Eve party the night before it is easy to promise never to touch the bottle again. When you are staring into a toilet bowl its easy to give up anything. I'm a positive thinker and I'll give you a benefit of a doubt that you'll give it your best effort.

5. Getting more out of life. This is the fun one. You're not restricting, punishing, or denying yourself. In this common resolution you promise yourself: a big vacation, travel, more "you" time, a reward for your good works, doing something you have always wanted and finding a stronger spirituality.

4. Giving up smoking. Smoking is a bad habit and what's better then giving up a bad habit to improve the new year? Some do it because it is expensive, and some do it for their health. What ever the reason you are not alone. Millions of American spromise to give it up every year.

3. Lose weight. My personal favorite, I have promised this to myself every year since 9th grade and I'm finally following through. The US is currently 66% overweight so losing weight is definately on everyones wish list. Especially after all that Holiday food and drink over indulgance.

2. Working out more. It's not just about losing pounds that people have trouble following through on. It's harder to keep up a gym membership then to lose some water weight which is why this is one of the most challenging resolutions to make. I wish you the best, I have yet to stick with this one.

1. Give time to others. Number 8 and five were about you but the number one resolution is about your friends and family. In a world where 40 hour work weeks are a luxury and mom and dad are at work, making time for the family is by far the most important and most popular resolution for the New Year. It is also one of the most rewarding if you follow through which isn't as hard to do as learning something new or quiting cold turkey.

---Sue