As the new year rolls around we reflect on the previous year and think of what we may have done differently or would like to have had accomplished by December 31st. This kind of reflection is great motivation for people to make "New Year's Resolutions." The tradition of the New Year's Resolution goes all the way back to 153 B.C. Janus, a mythical king of early Rome, was placed at the head of the calendar. With two faces, Janus could look back on past events and forward to the future. Janus became the ancient symbol for resolutions. Many Romans looked for forgiveness from their enemies and exchanged gifts before the beginning of each year. For curiosity sake I inquired through personal blog and word of mouth what kind of resolutions my friends and others were putting on their lists for 2009. Here are the top 5 responses:

#1 Eating Healthier

#2 Running Regularly

#3 Regular Exercise

#4 Getting Outdoors

#5 Spending more time with loved ones

Others can be categorized into a list of more personal goals such as finishing school, starting up a website, regular meditation, training their dog not to use the couch leg like a fire hydrant, etc.. but 85% of the people that answered had the first three somewhere on their list. I am pretty certain this list resembles those made for 2008, 2007, 2006... more than likely because the beginning of a new year corresponds with the end of the holidays (a.k.a three months of sedentary activity partnered with face-stuffing).

It is great to have a positive plan and perhaps with January comes the impression of a fresh start, or a chance to try again. The trick is sticking to it! The same people making New Year's resolutions are infamous for forgetting what they were come March.  Yours truly not excluded.  So start easy. Set a goal for which your resolution will simply be a means to an end. But be specific so that you can break it down into short-term achievable targets. For example, if your goal is to lose 10 pounds by the time you have to squeeze into that bridesmaid dress or bare your belly in that bikini, than break it down into so many pounds per week or month. If you’re like me and sometimes have difficulty “sticking to it” than come back next week for 5 tips to help keep that motivation going!

If frugality is part of your resolution be sure to check our homepage for brand specific discounts throughout the month of January!