by Valerie Gawthrop

Created on: November 23, 2009

The reason some resolutions make the list year after year is that they are difficult to keep but the effort itself is rewarding. With each new year comes a fresh chance to start over, try again where we failed before. Once more, these are the things that we most often promise to do.

Lose weight:

Obesity is a nationwide epidemic. Year after year losing weight tops the list of New Year resolutions. Those who make an effort to examine and change their lifestyle are the most successful at accomplishing this difficult goal.

Quit smoking:

This is probably the most difficult resolution to keep. Breaking this addiction is the one single thing a smoker can do to add years and value to his life. Health issues aside, the smoker has become a persona non grata, relegated to sneaking puffs while huddling outside in the cold. With time, overcoming this dependence will take the smoker from societal outcast to healthy individual.

Get more exercise:

Too much time at a desk or in front of the television has created a sedentary lifestyle that plagues most Americans. January is the time when we pull on the sweat suit our significant other gave us for Christmas and hit the jogging trails. Gym membership enrollment skyrockets this time of year as we all promise to get in shape.

Quit drinking:

This resolution is often made in the shadow of a New Year's Day hangover. However, those suffering from alcoholism have a serious disease and it's crucial for them to get medical help for dealing with this illness. This is a resolution that if kept will change the drinker's life and those of the people near and dear to him.

Get out of debt:

At one time people vowed to make more money. Considering the economy we're facing right now, this goal seems to have morphed into one of achieving freedom from the burdens debt places on us. There are free services to help consumers cut down their debt load provided they are determined to sacrifice things in exchange for financial independence.

Enjoy life more:

With hectic lifestyles, spending more quality time with family and friends makes the top ten on the resolution list. Many vow to turn off the television and have family dinners several nights a week. January is a great time to plan that family summer vacation

Reduce stress:

It's impossible for most of us to imagine a lifestyle without stress but for those who suffer the ill effects of ulcers, high blood pressure and fatigue, reducing the anxiety in their lives is an important issue.

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