RESOLVED: NO MORE NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

It's that time. Everyone, everywhere is making a resolution. Some folks are making more than one. Lose weight. Get more exercise. Balance the checkbook. Be nicer. Whatever. All in the desire to improve themselves.

Can you guess what the Frugal Yankee's advice is? Don't.

Don't make a New Year's resolution. It's a waste of time.

Why?

Simple, this is the worst time of the year to improve yourself. It's not that the Frugal Yankee is against self improvement, just the opposite. But how can you succeed when the weather is cold, and the sky is gray? How can you improve when you may be suffering from seasonal affective disorder? No, this is the wrong time of year for improvement. Everything is conspiring against us. No wonder the failure rate is astronomical. I'd love to know who started this New Year's Resolution idea. If we find him or her, a suitable punishment should be administered.

Here's the Frugal Yankee counter suggestion.

Make an April Fool's Resolution. You may laugh at that, but think about it for a second. It's spring. Spring is rebirth. The croci are popping through, there is more sun and it's getting warmer. The world is primed for you to get proactive. Spring is a time of hope. Where there is hope, there can be change.

For example, if it's finances you're planning on bettering, the constant bombardment about April 15 or your refund check could be the impetus needed.

If it's losing weight or exercising, the warm weather and the hope of summer days on the beach will inspire you. It's a heck of a lot easier to go out and exercise when its warm. Right now, if you went out for a jog, a snow plow might turn you into an ice ball.

No matter when you resolve to be resolved, there are tips to make it easier. Here there are.

AIM LOW
Don't make something so difficult it can't be done. Don't say you 're going to lose 20 pounds by Memorial Day. Instead resolve to lose 2 pounds in two weeks. Make it easy. Make it something you can build on.

DON'T OVERLOAD
A complete metamorphosis only happens in movies. Try one, possibly two resolutions. Too many is too daunting. If you can succeed, you can always add more.

BLAB, BLAB

Tell everyone you know your resolution. The peer pressure helps you keep it People have told me this works, but I'm skeptical. It doesn't work for me, but it could for you.

REWARD YOURSELF
At the same time you make your resolution, figure out a reward. If you are trying to lose weight and you lose a pound or three, treat yourself to a facial or something like that. A bad idea is to go on diet and then give yourself a large hot fudge sundae with nuts and whip cream as a reward. Not a good idea.

TRY, TRY AGAIN
Don't fret the setbacks. Get back on that horse and ride into the sunset. Forgive yourself and do it again. Persistence counts.

Making a resolution and keeping it is tough business. If you fail, your opinion of yourself can suffer. So be successful, plan. Chose the time, place, and goals. You can do it.

Someone once told me, you spend the first part of your life acquiring bad habits and the last part losing them. I'm in that latter phase.

From traditional tips to savvy perspectives, the Frugal Yankee knows how to enjoy life and spend less. Find out more by going to FrugalYankee.com.