New Years Resolutions has always seemed to be a pointless tradition and I've never participated in this annual activity. The tradition usually starts around somewhere between Halloween and Thanksgiving where someone inevitably makes note of how the left over candy or upcoming holiday feasts will ruin their year long diets. Then there is the vow to get back on track after each gorgefest. THEN right around Xmas there's the "oh I'll start off the year right with working out and dieting" rationale for having eaten three or four dinners in one setting.

Although dieting is the most popular of all resolutions, it isnt the only one. There are the going back to school, spending more time with family, working less and following your lifelong dream of whatever-it-is-you-do declarations as well. As a self-designated commitment-phobe, I just refuse to say that I will do X, Y, or Z in the upcoming year. Instead, why not have these thoughts all year around and do what you need to do at any time of the year? What is it about the New Year that folks decide to take chances with it and make huge steps to meet their goals? I encourage everyone to make a list of their long term goals and then a list of their short term goals or baby steps to successfully achieve your goals. BUT try doing this at any point of the year, not just today because its the first day of the year.