Most people believe that New Year Resolutions are meant to be broken. This belief comes from past experience and is not entirely a myth. Usually people give up on their resolutions after a few weeks at best, and a few hours at the worst! The simple reason is that we are too lazy most of the time. Why else would we need a New Year Resolution to get something done?

Having said all that, please don’t let this deter you from making a New Year Resolution. Here are the top 10 New Year Resolutions that people make every year. Maybe you will find one that works for you too. If you are worried that you won’t be able to keep your resolution, give it a shot anyway. You can motivate yourself by planning a reward for yourself at the end of the year 2008.

1. Lose Weight: Anyone could have guessed this! People are obsessed with their weight these days. As long as you are not anorexic, this is not a bad thing at all. So if you need to shed a few extra kilos, resolve to do that in the coming year. Exercise, diet control, yoga and meditation will all help you in becoming more fit.

2. Control Expenses: Since we are exposed to so many attractive things constantly, many people tend to over spend. If this has been happening to you too, it’s time to give it a serious thought. Excess shopping not only drains you of your resources, but also clutters your home excessively. So resolve to make monthly budgets and stick to them, throughout 2008.

3. Reducing Debt: If you have outstanding loans and debts, this is the time to get rid of them. If the credit card company has been harassing you through its collection centre employees, put an end to it NOW. All you need to do is resolve to get rid of all your outstanding debt and bills in the year 2008. Plan the monthly savings you must make to achieve this, and stick with the plan. Just keep in mind the stress free state that you can enjoy once you are debt free!

4. Spend More Time With Family: Whether it’s your spouse, or your kids or even your parents, they all need your time and attention. If you have not been the perfect mom, daughter, sister or wife so far, resolve to change that in the year 2008. Make time for your loved ones. Relationships are the best investments ever!

5. Finding A Partner: This one is for the singles. Those of you, who are single and ready to mingle, must resolve to find that perfect soul mate this year. Don’t just keep waiting for your parents to fix you up and for guys to come to your place to look at you! You are not an object on sale.

6. No smoking: Many women in India have also taken to smoking. Smoking is a very addictive and hazardous habit, for men and women alike. Resolve to quit smoking in the year 2008. Kicking this habit may be the hardest thing you ever do. But the benefits (read increased life expectancy and good health) will be immense.

7. Find A Better Job: If you are stuck in a thankless job, it’s time to change that. Getting a new job has many benefits. You get increased salary, you get to learn new things, you get varied experience and you do not stagnate. If you want to grow professionally, and your present job sucks, start circulating your resume!

8. Learn A New Skill Or Language: Learning something new is a great way of keeping those grey cells from rotting! Exercise your brain. Learn a new skill or a new language. Who knows how and when it might pay you.

9. Get Organized: Is your workstation all cluttered up? Do your kitchen and your bedroom tell the same story? Can’t you ever get anywhere on time? Do you always wake up too late? Hey! Get organized in the year 2008.

10. Social/Volunteer Work: If you want to do something for the society, don’t keep delaying it. Resolve to give back to the community what you have received from it. Do it in the year 2008. You can teach a poor child/servant to read/write. You can mentor someone. You can spend some time at the old age home or work with the orphans. You can join any NGO and do something for animals, street children, destitute, mentally challenged, physically challenged etc. If you are hard pressed for time, you can still do something by making a monetary contribution.