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Everyone tries to hold themselves accountable to their New Years Resolutions.This is the year you actually do it. I am going to show you how. The year I had reasonable resolutions. I actually did all my resolutions. I have discovered how to accomplish just that. It does not matter what your resolution is. This works for everyone!

The 5 top New Years Resolutions are:

• 1. Exercise More / Get Fit
• 2. Lose Weight / Eat Healthier
• 3. Save More Money / Get Finances in Order
• 4. Learn a New Skill or Hobby
• 5. Spend More Time with Family/Friends

1. Exercise More / Get Fit

The number one or most common resolution is to get fit! Here are the 5 best exercises to do to get fit!

Now if you are not ready for these. I have a solution for that down below!

• Squats – They work your legs, glutes, and core. You really want to build strength in the lower half of your body. Plus, you are going to be burning calories. You can just do these with just your body. There is no need to start out using weights. If or when you think weights are necessary. Then by all means you can add those weights.
  • You only want to start out slow at first. Say you are not in shape at all like myself. I only start out with 5 reps. If I cannot do 5 reps and can only do 2. That is fine for the first week to do as many as you can up to 5 reps at a time.
• Push-ups – They work your upper body targeting your chest, shoulders, triceps, and core. These are extremely easy to modify. There are the knee push ups if you are just starting. Then if you are not just starting. There are the regular push ups with a straight body and bending your arms.
  • Still start slow at first. You only do as many as you can up to 5. Remember if you do more than that you can hurt yourself. Then you quit. You do not want that.
• Planks – These are one of the best core exercises out there. These are great strengthening exercises for your back, and abs. They help give you better posture get you more stability on your feet.
  • Now when starting out only do up to 20 sec. Once you can do 20 sec. Then work your way up to 30 sec. and slowly work your way up.
• Lunges – These are great for legs, glutes, and balance. You definitely need to do both legs. Meaning what you do with your right leg; do the exact same with your left leg. You do not want to be lopsided. These help muscle imbalance.
  • When you start these only do 5 of each for each leg. 5 going forward on each leg 5 going in reverse for each leg like before if you cannot do 5. Start with what you can do and work your way up.
• Burpees – These are full body cardio exercise that combine squat, plank, push-ups, and jumping. These do burn a ton of calories. They do build a massive amount of endurance. These are extremely hard. I am just saying. Here is a little clue! I cannot do this. I can however do. What I call the alternate; that is coming at the bottom.
  • When starting these If you can do 5 great start that. I am going to start these but I am going to start with 1. Yes I know that sounds funny.

These 5 exercises work all major muscle groups. They require no equipment and you can do them anywhere. Plus you can start doing them at any fitness level. They create strength and cardio.

Now the alternate workout! If you cannot do these! When I was at my biggest 300 Lb. I started with a big exercise ball.

Start with balance on the Yoga Exercise Ball. This is done by making sure the ball does not move. Put it in a corner or with couches together or have someone hold it for you. You definitely do not want to fall. That will make you want to quit. Go here to get more for that article. The best thing for you New Years Resolutions is make sure no matter what you stay accountable. Accountability is the true key for your resolutions.

2. Lose Weight / Eat Healthier

Eating healthier goes hand in hand with exercise. Start out by focusing on getting better nutrition for yourself. Staying away from junk food. Controlling hownew much you eat at 1 time “portion control”.

Here are 5 of the best ways to lose weight and eat healthier!

1. Control Portion Sizes – Does not mean give up eating what you love. It means eating in moderation. When I started to cut back. I started with half sizes. Then I did half again. Say it was a buffet. Instead of going up to the bar 5 times. I started with the salad first. Then I went and got only 1 plate of all the meat and carbs and green beans. If I was still hungry after that I would get some dessert. That is a lot better than 5 plates of carbs and meat! Believe me I am a carb junky!

• Say you like to fill your plate! Then just use smaller plates.
• You could measure out your servings. Using a serving spoon only put 1 scoop on your plate.
• Pay attention to your hunger ques. Stop eating as soon as you are full.
• Do not give up all of your favorite foods. say you want a big piece of cake. only do half of that.

2. Eat More Whole Foods – Focus your eating on Fruits and vegetables, your lean meats/proteins, look at whole grains, and healthy fats. Healthy and nutritious food fill you up more than junk food. When shopping for food try and stay away from processed foods. The best place to go in the store is the outside isles. That is where all the fresh food is.

• This dose no mean you have to become a vegetarian. it does mean you do need to eat some fresh vegetables and fruit. That in itself will help you cut your carb intake. You do need some carb per day just not all of them. I like most who do succeed with this.
• Have a cheat day a week I chose Fridays. When I needed a cheat day. Those weeks and only on Friday’s I would treat myself to a buffet. That covered my extra carb a week. Most would say that is probably not healthy. It worked for me. This depends on making yourself accountable. Make sure you hold yourself to that accountability or this is never going to work.

3. Drink More Water Often – Did you know most people mistake hunger for thirst. You should be drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day. Helping with portion control drink a glass of water before every meal. Cut back on sugary drinks, sodas, and excessive alcohol; these are just empty calories. they do not fill you up.

4. Plan and Prep Your Meals – Did you know that meal planning stops last minute cooking junk food. It also helps stop last minute fast food. Prep your healthy snacks and meals early. This way you are not as tempted to go for that fast food or junk food.

5. Practice Mindful Eating – this is eat slowly. Make sure you eat without distractions. Like no TV or phones they are a distraction. This helps you pay attention to how and what you are eating. This helps you realize what you are eating and if you are full. This can keep you from overeating.

Bonus: Do not change everything at once. This is not something you want over night. Work in small amounts. Like start with the smaller plate. You can even start with drinking more water at the same time as smaller plates. Just hold yourself accountable.

3. Save More Money and Get Finances in Order

1. Budgeting better
2. Paying off debt
3. Building savings
4. Spending less on unnecessary things

1. Create and Stick to a Budget – Start with tracking every penny you spend. At the end of the month.

1. Add all your income up for the month.
2. Make lists at to what you spend money on.
   • Like clothes, shoes, bills, gas for your vehicle, vehicle expense, groceries for the house, food “going out to eat, everything you spend money on.
3. Add all those expenses up in each category first. Then add them all up together.
4. Then take your monthly income minus your expenses. You should still have money left If you are a lucky person. That has not gone overboard. You should be using the 50/30/20 rule: 50 percent for your needs, 30 percent for wants, 20 percent savings and debts. You can use budgeting apps. You could just use a simple spreadsheet to keep track.
   • 50 percent needs: mortgage/rent, groceries, utilities “gas and electric”, vehicle, insurance health and auto, and phone
   • 30 percent want the internet, movie channels, new outfits, and new shoes
   • 20 percent savings and debt credit card loans and

If you are not a lucky person hold on I will get to that in a minute!

2. Pay Yourself First – Pay yourself first set up automatic transfer to saving. You need to treat this savings as a bill. That you must pay. This particular saving is not for normal savings. You need to start saving up to 3 to 4 months of saving that will cover your monthly expenses. Then go to 6 to 7 months of savings. Work your way up to a year of savings that will cover your expenses for 1 entire year. If you add a new bill add more to the savings. Make sure to hold yourself accountable.

3. Cut Unnecessary Subscriptions and Expenses Review – Look at all your recurring expenses. Your charges for streaming, gym, subscriptions you do not use. Cancel everything you do not use for sure! Reduce your dinning out, make coffee at home, and pack your lunch. All these small little things make a big difference. Do all this for 1 month. Then redo your budget. See how much you saved. Hold yourself accountable. Accountability does come into play. Otherwise you should have never made the New Years Resolutions in the first place.

4. Use the Debt Snowball or Avalanche Method Snowball – This means make all your minimum payment on everything. Then take the one that has the smallest total balance and pay extra on that one. The actual reason of paying off the smallest one first is. Once that one is paid off it gives you more to pay on the next one. Causing an avalanche or snowball effect.

5. Avoid Impulse Purchases – Use the 24 – 48 hour rule. This is wait a day or 2 before you buy anything that is non essential. This does not mean try and make it essential by saying you are going to literally die if you do not get this very instant. You need to ask during those critical 24-48 hrs. Do you really need it or do you just want it. Make sure you unsubscribe from all marketing emails. When you go to the store shop looking leave your credit and debit cards at home. This helps you from impulse buying.

Now if you are 1 of those not so lucky people. Do not feel that bad. I have been in those shoes before. You will still follow all these in order also. Say you can pick up extra over time. You will just need step one every month. Still do not feel bad everyone should do that anyway. Always remember You are the only one who knows. This is your New Years Resolutions You have to keep you in accountability for your best results.

Plus remember you are not the only one. I have been in your shoes. Look at it this way as your snowball effect starts to work. You will see what it is I am talking about. I learned all this from “The Ramsey Show” by Dave Ramsey “Break the Cycle” His financial advice literally screams “Debt-Free” He even has a free radio show Ramsey Solutions. I personally recommend him to everyone wanting out of debt. Stay accountable for yourself.

Bonus Tip – Set up all your automatic payments: bills, savings, debt, payment. This helps remove any temptation or “urges” to spend it. Plus this helps you from automatically missing payments. The other helpful hint is keep all your bill, payment, and savings out of your spending account. Get a separate account just for all your payments. When you get paid have your bill money taken out and put into what I call a bill account.

There is 1 more thing everyone should do always!

Never ever go into debt counting on overtime. That extra money is not always going to be there. When I went to go buy a house. Do to making 10 to 15 hours of overtime a week! The mortgage company wanted to count on that income for a 30 year mortgage. This is why I say do not ever count on overtime income. This is definitely a great way to keep yourself in accountability check.

Always remember that this is a New Years Resolutions you made. There is a reason you made this particular resolutions

4. Learn a New Skill or Hobby

You might want to try something new. Learning is something everyone needs to be doing. Whether it is a new: language, playing an instrument, cooking, or even a new craft. Whatever your choice do 10 to 15 minutes everyday. Make yourself accountable so you will stick with it.

Your top 10 new skills or hobbies.

• 1. Learn a New Language – There are a few different apps available like: Duolingo, Babbel, or even Rosetta Stone. They make it easier to learn a new language. You can always start with the normal ones Spanish, French, even German. They only take like 15 to 20 minutes a day. You are on your way to speaking very fluent.
• 2. Play a Musical Instrument – Today there are tutorials on YouTube and apps that are for self teaching. Any type of instrument really like Guitar, ukulele, or even piano. Plus did you know music reduces stress and raises cognitive function.
• 3. Cooking and Baking – There is a whole lot you can do with cooking and baking. Start with mastering basic cooking and recipes. Then you can try new cuisines, learn new techniques, You can always learn how to make your favorite dinners when dining out. Plus, that will save you money. This is also healthier than dining out. Plus you are going to impress your family and friends. That does not mean Start with the hardest thing in the world to make. Start out small with side dishes. Work your way up.
• 4. Photography – You know you already have a camera. It is on your phone. you could always invest in a DSLR – Digital Single-Lens Reflex camera. You can just save money and use the camera on your phone. There are even courses on line. They are even free everywhere. Teaching you the understanding of composition, lightning, and learning how to edit. that all makes photography unlimited creative possibilities.
• 5. Coding/Programming – There are different programs and coding like Python, JavaScript, or even web development. You learn a new skill like these you could advance in your career. There also YouTube tutorials, freeCodeCamp, or even Codecademy.
• 6. Gardening – You can start with growing your own herbs, vegetables, or even Flowers. Make sure you start small like with a few containers. You could even do a few raised beds. Remember it is supposed to be relaxing not a job. The reward is you have pretty flowers, and fresh vegetables you can eat and save money not having to buy them.
• 7. Drawing or Painting – You do not need an artistic background. you only need to sketch, water colors, acrylics, even digital art. Did you know Art is therapeutic. You can find anything artistic online and with tutorials.
• 8. Knitting, Crocheting, or Sewing – You can always create your own clothes, make blankets, and gifts. Creative clothing is meditative with the practice element. Materials are in pretty much all communities. If you have no place local there is always online. You know beginners are always welcome.
• 9. Writing – There are many forms of writing. You have journalism, creative writing, blogging, or even poetry. All of these help with communication skills. They also give you an emotional outlet. You can even start with just 10 minutes a day. then go up from there.
• 10. Woodworking or DIY Home Improvement – You can always do wood working repairs. Like just last week. I saw someone fix a window ledge that a dog chewed on. You could just create your own furniture. Little practical skills save money if it is for your house it also adds value. You always want to start slow Like shelves and picture frames.

Bonus tips to get started on something.

• Make sure it is something you want. Not just impressive thing.
• Start small and be consistent.
• Join online groups or local groups for support and motivation.
• You do not have to be perfect. Enjoy learning what you have chosen.

5. Spend More Time with Family/Friends

Are you needing to prioritize relationships with your friends and family. Making sure you are more present with them. You need to make real time for your loved ones.

1. Schedule Regular Family Time – Make sure to put important events on your calendar. Make sure you are having weekly dinners. You also want to make sure you are having a family game night. Make sure it is scheduled you are more likely to protect that time. It needs to be a non-negotiable commitment. It can not get bumped. Nothing is more important than family thing. This is something that you truly need to make yourself accountable for.

2. Create Phone-Free Zones and Times – Make sure you are putting away all distractions during family games or fun night. Dinner should be no distraction. This helps you be fully aware of what is going on in your home. There are no distractions. Depending on how old everyone is? Here is a fun game to play at a restaurant called phone stacking. Everyone puts their phones in the middle of the table. The first one to grab their phone pays the bill. How fun is that.

3. Start New Traditions or Rituals Weekly – You could do weekly movie night, monthly outings, seasonal activities, or holiday traditions. These could be new ones, old ones, or even old ones that have been discontinued. You could always start back up. These new/old traditions could be anything for a walk, or blueberry pancakes on Saturday.

4. Plan Activities Everyone Enjoys – Make sure to find something everyone enjoys. Say like cooking or baking. My family had as an entire family. Making Christmas cookies together. The really fun part was the small children were the one who got to mix all the batter. The reason it was the best part they got to get messy. There are others family activities like board games, sports, hiking, crafts or even volunteering. It should definitely be something everyone enjoys.

5. Make the Most of Small Moments – The best times you will ever have are times that you did not have a grand plan. The reason I say that is because in my experience all grand plan do not happen the exact way you plan then. That just causes frustration and not being happy. Don’t get me wrong. Make plans. Just do not expect things to not come up.

Taking advantage of small moments. Quality beats quantity like talking during car rides. Everyone having breakfast together you could even talk about your day coming up. You have small moments helping with homework. All these little special times add up.They tend to mean more than an elaborate thing.

Bonus tips:

• When you are invited to do things with friends or family say yes.
• You make plans with everyone for once.
• Keep your videos calls for distant friends and family.
• Just focus on getting together not making everything perfect. When things go wrong it is okay. It is still valuable time.

Is 5 your New Years Resolutions depending on the age of your children? This is an FYI. You need to truly pay attention to them. There are things you will not know about if you do not. I believe this is one to stay accountable for.

Now when it comes to other New Years Resolutions. Stay accountable to yourself. Remember to start small then gradually get closer to your goal. Your accountability should match what your resolution is. Meaning if it is something you need to check on daily, weekly or monthly. Your accountability needs to be all year not just January then not again till November. That does not work.