New Years Resolutions

Top 10 New Years Resolutions

New Years is a special time of year, and is obviously a time when many of us make resolutions that we promptly abandon, usually by the second week of January. This year, however, will be different. This is the year when we will stick to our resolutions, once and for all.

1. Fitness. Let's face it, not many of us ever say at the end of a year that we are in too good of shape or that we spent too much time working out over the past year.

2. Weight Loss. Most of us can stand to lose a few pounds, at least. Be honest.

3. Get Organized. Not the most exciting topic on the planet, but if you're like me, your home and office could use some major organization.

4. Eliminate Debt. I am not suggesting that everyone eliminate all debt. Some debt is almost inevitable, such as a mortgage and perhaps student loans. Credit card debt and car loans can be paid off, by the end of 2008.

5. Improve Job Performance. We all like to think we're God's gift to our employer, but there's always room for improvement.

6. Quit Smoking. Smoking is unhealthy and unattractive. Nearly every smoker says they're trying to quit, or says they'll smoke less, or some such pronouncement, yet they never do. This is the year to quit, for good.

7. Make More Money. Unless you're Bill Gates, you could probably use some extra cash flow every month.

8. Help Others. New Years resolutions and self-improvement need not always be about ourselves. Helping others is a great way to improve our own enjoyment of life in 2008.

9. Start Your Own Business. Who wouldn't prefer to work for themselves instead of whoever your boss is?

10. Have Fun. This one should be self-explanatory. Have fun with family, friends, pursuing hobbies, etc.

Top 5 Fitness Resources

I have separated fitness from weight loss because while some resources cover both, the best resources on fitness tend to not cover diet or to cover it sparingly, and vice versa.

Men's Health Power Training: Build Bigger, Stronger Muscles with through Performance-based Conditioning

by Robert dos Remedios

Men's Health is a great resource, and this is one of their better training-related publications.

Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 07/25/2008)

YOU: The Owner's Manual: An Insider's Guide to the Body that Will Make You Healthier and Younger

by Michael F. Roizen, Mehmet Oz

This provides overall wellness advice.

Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 07/25/2008)

The Biggest Loser Fitness Program: Fast, Safe, and Effective Workouts to Target and Tone Your Trouble Spots--Adapted from NBC's Hit Show!

by The Biggest Loser Experts and Cast, Maggie Greenwood-Robinson

The Biggest Loser program is, obviously if you've seen the show, geared to those who need to lose a lot of weight.

Amazon Price: $14.93 (as of 07/25/2008)

Strength Training Anatomy

by Frederic Delavier

This book shows all the different body parts and then provides exercises that will work each part.

Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 07/25/2008)

Making the Cut: The 30-Day Diet and Fitness Plan for the Strongest, Sexiest You

by Jillian Michaels

This is written by one of the trainers on The Biggest Loser.

Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 07/25/2008)

Top 5 Weight Loss Resources

There are a ridiculous number of diet books out there, and the best approach is to look at a few of them and decide which one will work best for you. I've listed some of my favorites here that should appeal to most everyone.

Body for Life: 12 Weeks to Mental and Physical Strength

by Bill Phillips, Michael D'Orso

Amazon Price: $17.79 (as of 07/25/2008)

The New Sugar Busters!

by H. Leighton Steward, Morrison Md Bethea, Sam Md Andrews, Luis Md Balart

Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 07/25/2008)

The South Beach Diet: The Delicious, Doctor-Designed, Foolproof Plan for Fast and Healthy Weight Loss

by Arthur Agatston

Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 07/25/2008)

You: On A Diet: The Owner's Manual for Waist Management

by Mehmet C. Oz, Michael F. Roizen

Amazon Price: $16.50 (as of 07/25/2008)

The Weight Loss Cure They Don't Want You to Know About

by Kevin Trudeau

Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 07/25/2008)

Top 5 Books About Getting Things Done

We all know that we can accomplish more by doing things, but it's sometimes easier said than done. These books will help provide techniques and motivation to get things done.

Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity

by David Allen

David Allen is the leader of the Getting Things Done (a/k/a GTD) movement.

Amazon Price: $9.00 (as of 07/25/2008)

The Effective Executive: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Right Things Done (Harperbusiness Essentials)

by Peter F. Drucker

Helps busy professionals and other office workers be more productive.

Amazon Price: $10.85 (as of 07/25/2008)

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

by Stephen R. Covey

This updated version of the classic book is a must read.

Amazon Price: $9.57 (as of 07/25/2008)

The Now Habit: A Strategic Program for Overcoming Procrastination and Enjoying Guilt-Free Play

by Neil Fiore

Let's face it, we all procrastinate. This will help reduce procrastination in our daily lives.

Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 07/25/2008)

The Power of Full Engagement: Managing Energy, Not Time, Is the Key to High Performance and Personal Renewal

by Jim Loehr, Tony Schwartz

This is a good read.

Amazon Price: $10.20 (as of 07/25/2008)

Great Ways to Elliminate Debt

Credit card debt, car loans, and other "bad debt" can be eliminated with these approaches.

Do This: Simple Actions to Eliminate Debt and Create Wealth (Do This)

by Dennis E. Johnson

This is a straightforward debt elimination resource.

Amazon Price: $15.56 (as of 07/25/2008)

Invest in Your Debt: How To Achieve Financial Freedom By First Eliminating Your Debt

A good approach to debt elimination and overall financial planning.

Amazon Price: (as of 07/25/2008)

How to Instantly Eliminate Credit Card Debt (Without Bankruptcy or Credit Counseling)

by Michael G. Mack

This focuses on credit card debt, the biggest financial hurdle that many people face.

Amazon Price: (as of 07/25/2008)

12 Steps to Eliminate Debt Forever!: Become debt free using your current income by changing your Mind, Habits, and Spending!

by Sharman G. Lawson

The use of "12 steps" in the title is interesting.

Amazon Price: $12.95 (as of 07/25/2008)

Saving on a Shoestring: How to Cut Expenses, Reduce Debt, and Stash More Cash

by Barbara O'Neill

Frugal living can help reduce and eliminate debt.

Amazon Price: (as of 07/25/2008)

Do Better in Your Job

Many of us overlook the importance of reading to further develop our job skills. Make yourself an invaluable employee in 2008 to keep your job, increase your raise and bonus and have the feeling of job security.

48 Days to the Work You Love

by Dan Miller

I recommend this resource.

Amazon Price: $10.19 (as of 07/25/2008)

Getting Past No

by William Ury

A motivational and informative book.

Amazon Price: $11.56 (as of 07/25/2008)

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff at Work

by Richard Carlson

The title says it all.

Amazon Price: $10.36 (as of 07/25/2008)

Getting to Yes

by Roger Fisher, William Ury, Bruce Patton

The flip side of Getting Past No.

Amazon Price: (as of 07/25/2008)

The Power of Nice: How to Conquer the Business World With Kindness

by Linda Kaplan Thaler, Robin Koval

An easy read that is helpful.

Amazon Price: $12.21 (as of 07/25/2008)

Stop Smoking

If you're a smoker, the single best thing you can do for your life and for your family is to stop smoking. Let's face it, smokers aren't proud of what they do. Nobody ever has a New Years Resolution to smoke more packs a day this year. Every smoker always says they're going to cut back or quit next week/month/year, and few ever do. These resources will help you quit.

The Easy Way to Stop Smoking: Join the Millions Who Have Become Non-Smokers Using Allen Carr's Easyway Method

by Allen Carr

Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 07/25/2008)

Quit: Read This Book and Stop Smoking (Running Press Miniature Editions)

by Charles Wetherall

Amazon Price: $4.95 (as of 07/25/2008)

Stop Smoking Forever

by Glenn Harrold

Amazon Price: $14.00 (as of 07/25/2008)

You Can Stop Smoking

by Jacquelyn Rogers

Amazon Price: (as of 07/25/2008)

Stop Smoking in One Hour: Play the CD... Just Once... and Never Smoke Again!

by Susan Hepburn

Amazon Price: $21.71 (as of 07/25/2008)

Make Money!

There are a lot of great ways to make money. Here are some basics to help you get started.

The Pre-Foreclosure Property Investor's Kit: How to Make Money Buying Distressed Real Estate -- Before the Public Auction

by Thomas Lucier

There's a ton of money to be made in real estate.

Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 07/25/2008)

The AdSense Code: What Google Never Told You About Making Money with AdSense

by Joel Comm

Adsense is Google advertising. You create blogs or other websites, add Google Adsense and make money when people click on the ads.

Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 07/25/2008)

Blogging For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))

by Brad Hill

Blogging is fun and can make you money at the same time. This is a good basic resource for the beginning blogger.

Amazon Price: $14.95 (as of 07/25/2008)

Full of Bull: Do What Wall Street Does, Not What It Says, To Make Money in the Market

by Stephen T. McClellan

There is a lot of misinformation out there about investing in the stock market. This is a useful guide to avoiding mistakes and maximizing returns.

Amazon Price: $15.63 (as of 07/25/2008)

From Entrepreneur to Infopreneur: Make Money with books, E-Books and Information Products

by Stephanie Chandler

E-Books and similar enterprises are an easy way to make money.

Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 07/25/2008)

Help Others

What better way to improve your 2008 than to help others.

Bringing Out the Best in People: How to Enjoy Helping Others Excel

by Alan Loy McGinnis

Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 07/25/2008)

Christian Coaching: Helping Others Turn Potential into Reality

by Gary R. Collins

Amazon Price: $15.64 (as of 07/25/2008)

Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World

by Bill Clinton

Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 07/25/2008)

Forces for Good: The Six Practices of High-Impact Nonprofits

by Leslie Crutchfield, Heather McLeod Grant

Amazon Price: $19.77 (as of 07/25/2008)

The House That Love Built: The Story of Linda & Millard Fuller, Founders of Habitat for Humanity and the Fuller Center for Housing

by Bettie B. Youngs

Amazon Price: $17.79 (as of 07/25/2008)

Start Your Own Business

Making the big move of going out on your own is a huge challenge. These books will help.

The 4-Hour work Week: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich

by Timothy Ferris

I'm about half way through this book now. It's a great resource and truly a fun read.

Amazon Price: $19.56 (as of 07/25/2008)

Rich Dad, Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money--That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!

by Robert T. Kiyosaki, Sharon L. Lechter

Robert Kiyosaki is the world's best guru on starting your own business.

Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 07/25/2008)

The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference

by Malcolm Gladwell

A great read.

Amazon Price: $10.19 (as of 07/25/2008)

The Art of the Start: The Time-Tested, Battle-Hardened Guide for Anyone Starting Anything

by Guy Kawasaki

This is next on my list.

Amazon Price: $17.79 (as of 07/25/2008)

Start Your Own Blogging Business (Startup)

by Entrepreneur Press, J.S. McDougall

Entrepreneurial approach to blogging.

Amazon Price: $12.21 (as of 07/25/2008)

Have Fun!

Your New Years resolutions can't all be about work and self-improvement. Resolve to have more fun in 2008!

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