Keeping Your New Year's Resolutions
Here we go again! Time to make our New Year's resolutions. Statistics show that although many people make New Year's resolutions, few find the means to achieve them. One article I read stated that up to 45% of Americans will make a New Year's resolution. Of that 45%, just under half of them are still going after 6 months. In other words, approximately 1 in 5 Americans find it within their power to keep their resolution.
Work and family obligations, lack of planning, lack of resolve, life changes and lack of support are some of the reasons people give up on their New Year's resolutions. Many people set unrealistic goals and so become discouraged. Here are some new ideas to help you keep these old resolutions.
New Year's Resolution #1-Earn More Money
This is one resolution we would all like to keep. 2009 was the year of lay-offs, cut-backs and foreclosures. Let's make 2010 a new beginning and resolve to earn more money. I know, I know...much easier said than done. Here are some fresh approaches, along with some tried and true methods, on ways to earn money.
Part-Time Job
One of the first methods people try to get some extra cash is to find a part-time job. While part-time jobs are becoming much scarcer than they used to be...you can still find one if you are lucky. Keep your eyes open and maintain your networking! You just may find what you are looking for.
Living Statue
If, like so many these days, you have looked and looked for that part-time job to no avail, you may want to try a more creative approach. Create your own job. The picture above shows a fast and fun method to get some quick cash. Become a "living statue".
Pick a busy intersection, park or other area with many people walking around. Paint yourself gold or silver and set yourself on a pedestal. Put out a container for money and place a sign up stating "$1 to make man move"...you can pick the price yourself. Then stay very, very still. (No, we are not hunting rabbits...) When someone pays, move...it's that simple.
Children love this and will beg their parents to pay again and again. You should find a costume that allows you to look more like a statue...indians and soldiers work well. I personally have paid to watch people do this. My children found it very amusing, and even now that they are older they still love to see the "statue" come alive.
NOTE: It is useful to practice your moves doing the "robot" before you set yourself on the pedestal, but not required.
Start a Religion
Throughout the history of man, starting a religion has proven to be a very profitable endeavor. Are you a leader? Do you have a vision? If the answers are yes, than you too can begin to build your empire...ooops, I mean religion.
Most religions can have non-profit status, so you can pay yourself a whopping salary while giving a few pennies to the masses. Just watch TV or look around and you can see several examples of how it is done.
Sell Some of Your Old Stuff
Many people make extra money selling their old and unused items. There is an old saying...one man's junk is another man's treasure. Just because you don't use it or don't want it doesn't mean someone else will not buy it.
Look around your house, in your storage and in your garage. Usually you can find something to sell. If you have lived in the same place for many years you probably have several things you don't use anymore. Holding a garage sale is a good way to sell your unwanted items. If this is too much work for you, just take a picture and list it on a site like ebay.
Soon, you will be rid of those items you no longer need...someone else will be happier...and you will have some extra money. A win-win situation for everyone. Just look how happy the man to the right is...he just made a bundle selling his wife and child.
Get Money
There is one more method of getting some extra money...but, if you are caught you won't be needing it.
New Year's Resolution #2-Spend Less Money
2009 was the year we all learned we need to reduce our debt and spend less money. You thought you had cut every corner possible, but have you ever tried these ideas?
Save on Meat
Many recipes will be just as tasty using a less expensive cut of meat. Boneless skinless chicken thighs are a good alternative for boneless skinless chicken breasts. I can often find thighs on sale for $0.99 cents a pound. So much better for the budget! A bonus is that chicken thighs will remain juicier than breasts when cooked.
Top round steak may be thin or thick. A thicker cut is often referred to as "London Broil". This cut is excellent grilled. During the summer months this cut of beef will often sell for $1.99 a pound. I have made this for friends when I barbecue and it is always a great favorite.
I try to buy a cut that is between 1 1/2 to 2 inches. Season it or marinade it as you would with a more expensive cut. Cook it on the grill for 10 minutes, turn and cook for 10 minutes more for medium rare. Let it sit for 10 minutes before cutting it. Slice it thinly across the grain for a delicious meal.
Save Money on Furniture
Are your kids always sitting around? Do they complain when you ask for help with the daily chores? Here is a way to let them stay in one place and earn their allowance.
Save Money on Car Washes
Have you seen the price of a car wash recently? Why spend all that money when there is a free wash at your local gas station. Get the younger kids to do the tops, while the older ones do the sides. Make it a game...first one done gets to ride shotgun.
Save Money on Flowers
Flowers are a wonderful gift for so many special occasions. But they are so darn expensive! Have you ever driven past a graveyard and noticed all the beautiful flowers just laying around on the ground? Why should all of these flowers go to someone who cannot express their gratitude? Take some home and spread the joy!
NOTE: I had a friend in high school who got his mother flowers in this manner for Mother's Day one year. He did not realize he had been seen and identified until the police showed up at his house later that day. Needless to say his mother was no longer thrilled to have received the flowers.
New Year's Resolution #3-Lose Weight
Every year millions of people resolve to lose weight. Diet and exercise, while proven to work, are found too difficult to do for many people. Everyone looks for a quick and easy solution. Here are some suggestions for the coming year.
Tapeworms
One sure-fire method of losing weight and keeping it off is to acquire a tapeworm infection. Soon all of your friends will be asking you for the secret of your weight loss. I recommend keeping this secret!
Get Rid of Some Extra Body Parts
Many people have considered liposuction, but how many have thought of amputation as a way to lose some pounds quickly? Liposuction is (basically) an amputation of your fat...so why not take it one step further.
Join the Military
Several people have told me that boot camp is a great way to lose weight. You get to meet many new people and there is a lot of support. Their motivational experts are supposed to be some of the best in the world! And you get paid...how much more could you ask for?
12 oz Curls
If you don't really want to lose weight, but you make this New Year's resolution due to someone else's nagging, you may want to begin the oft used exercise known as the 12 oz curl. These are very easy and can even be done watching TV. Many people state that this exercise actually increases the amount of enjoyment they get from watching TV.
Good Luck
I hope some of these suggestions have helped you in deciding on workable ways to keep your New Year's resolutions. Whether you decide to make a New Year's resolution this year or not, I wish you all good luck in the coming year.
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