If you think about it, at New Year we are actually celebrating the passage of time; something we don't generally embrace with glee! Perhaps that's why, as the final seconds of the year tick away, we turn to thoughts of self-improvement and the annual ritual of making resolutions designed to magically transform ourselves and our lives before it's too late!

Perhaps that is also why year on year, the same resolutions crop up for most of us - having started with dogged determination the previous January, only to see our resolve slowly weaken with each passing month until here we are... same boat, same issues, same resolutions. 

1. Lose Weight and Get Fit

Whilst the majority of the population will be embarking on 'a diet' come January 1st, it's worth noting that apart from the fact diets very rarely work, with every year of your life, you have more to gain from being physically active.

Ditch the diet this year (you probably will have done by February anyway) and concentrate the resolution on getting fit.  Increased exercise doesn't just keep the pounds off, it leads to a healthier heart and lungs, keeps your brain alert and lifts your mood thanks to those little endorphins. 

Don't sign up for the gym unless you are absolutely sure that you will go regularly.  Walk the dog, join a class with a group of friends or take up a new, physical hobby like badminton or salsa dancing!

2. Quit Smoking

Becoming a non-smoker is probably one of the best decisions you can ever make, and is a life changing - as well as a life saving - decision.  The benefits to your health, relationships, finances, vitality, the environment and to your sense of self-esteem for having conquered a really hard-to-kick habit will make all the effort and determination worthwhile. The resolution to become a non-smoker will also help you to live longer and enjoy the finer things in life.

3. Stick to a Budget and Clear Debts

Many people find it very difficult to stick to a budget. It does take hard work and a lot of self-discipline, at least in the beginning. The good news is that most people find the longer they can stick to a budget, the easier it becomes. 

Keep a diary of all money spent. Once you know where your money is going, then you can take the steps needed to prepare a good budget that you can live with and make huge strides to budgeting your debt away. Debt is one of the greatest causes of stress, and stress is certainly bad for your health and happiness.

4. Enjoy More Quality Time with Family & Friends

Making our families stronger and healthier is important to the community, and you can combine this resolution with numbers one and two and three by setting aside family time to spend on simple healthy activities that don't involve hi tech gadgets and gizmo's, visits to fast food chains or expensive trips to theme parks.

Try to set aside an hour a day for family time, even if its just making sure you all sit round the dinner table together, or share the washing up whilst having a chat.  

5. Learn Something New

Perhaps you are considering a career change, want to learn a new language or musical instrument, or become a better cook? Whether you take a course or read a book, education can be one of the easiest, most motivating and beneficial resolutions to keep. Challenge your mind in the coming year, step outside your comfort zone and see your horizons expand.

Sticking to resolutions is not always easy. List them, stick the list on the inside of a cupboard door and remind yourself of them from time to time.  Focus on the positives, each of the above resolutions actually brings its own rewards so in theory shouldn't be difficult to maintain.  Theory is always easier than practice!  The important thing is, even if you slip up - don't give up.

Here's to a happy, healthy, wealthy and fun 2013!