This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

New Year's Resolutions and How to Make Them Stick

Here are some suggestions on some popular New Year's Resolutions and how to make it the last time you have to make them.

The arrival of a new year is symbolic on many levels. We tend to see it as a new beginning, or a new chapter in our already fulfilling lives. For some, 2011 brought new children, a marriage, a promotion or new job, while for others it brought heartache, loss, or a continuing struggle in this volatile economy.  

Whatever 2011 brought you, we hope that 2012 brings you joy, success and peace. As you jot down your New Year's resolutions, take a moment to scan the most popular resolutions Americans make. If yours are on the list, we have some suggestions to help you reach your goals.  

Eat Healthy Invest in yourself in 2012 by eating more fruits and vegetables and cutting back on processed and sugary foods. (After the New Year's Eve party, of course!)  Contrary to popular belief, it does not cost more to eat healthy. Consider the cost of a bag of apples compared to the price of a bag of chips.  It's tough to make the switch, but if you want to make a change, you can do it.  The Dekalb Farmer's Market, on E. Ponce de Leon in Decatur, is open year-round and offers fruits, vegetables and meats that are very friendly on the budget.  It's like Disney World for foodies.  

Find out what's happening in Loganville-Graysonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Go Back to School Do you feel stuck in a dead-end job and want to get a better education? Adults have plenty of options in this digital age, and finding scholarships and grants is not as difficult as it may seem. Gwinnett Technical College, Athens Technical College and Georgia Perimeter are inexpensive ways to further your education and offer online classes.  

The ever popular, rarely achieved goal of the new year. For lasting change, plan your meals in advance and shop healthy. Join a local gym or Focus on small goals, like 5 pounds per month. Netflix and Comcast both offer streaming exercise classes, so consider checking those out. Consult a nutritionist or doctor if you are unsure of what type of diet and exercise is best for you.  Be kind to yourself, and have patience. You can do it. about Snellville resident Jennifer Marciante.  

Find out what's happening in Loganville-Graysonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Manage Debt Debt really drags Americans down. Create a plan and a budget. Consider joining a Financial Peace University, Dave Ramsey's method of getting out of debt quickly.  Many people have successfully gotten out of debt and raised their standard of living; you can, too.  Imagine what you could do with that extra money you normally pay your credit cards with?  Dave's plan includes those bummers like student loans and car payments.  

Drink Less Alcohol For some, alcohol is a way to unwind after a long day of work or relax at a party. For others, it is a powerful addiction that can consume your life.  Reach out to a local Alcholics Anonymous or faith-based initiative like Celebration Recovery.   

Quit Smoking Most smokers know the options available to them.  Smoking is incredibly hard to quit, so don't feel too discouraged if you have tried and failed. Get a strong support system and find a method that works for you. Cold turkey works for some people, while for others it just makes them lose all their friends! Try everything - you and your lungs are worth it. Loganville-Grayson blogger has smoking cessation in her list of expertise and has said she will give us some pointers on how to make it work for you in the new year. 

What are you goals?  Take an international vacation?  Write a memoir?  Spend more time with your kids?  Plot out how you will accomplish your goals.  Set feet to your dreams.  

Make 2012 the best year of your life. 

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Loganville-Grayson