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Keeping That Resolution
Well, here we are again. Another New Year. Time to
make those resolutions. Chances are, at some time in your life you've made
a New Year's Resolution, and then broken it. For those of you who have been
able to keep every resolution you have made, congratulations, and keep up
the good work. As for the rest of us, this year, stop the cycle of
resolving to make change, but not following through. Here are 10 tips to
get you started. Be realistic: The surest way to fall short of a goal is to
make it unattainable. For instance, resolving never to each your favorite
desserts again, is probably a bad choice. Plan it: Don't make your
resolution on New Year's Eve because it will be based on your mind-set that
particular day. Instead, it should be well-planned out. Outline your plan:
Decide how you will deal with the temptation to skip the exercise class,
just have one more cigarette, or use the charge card instead of cash. Make
a "pro" and "con" list: It may help to see a list of
items on paper to keep your motivation strong. Develop this list over time
and don't be afraid to ask others to contribute. Keep your list with you
and refer to it when you need help keeping your resolve. Talk about it:
Don't keep your resolution a secret. Tell friends and family who will be
there to support your choice. Even better, find yourself a buddy that
shares your resolution and motivate and support each other. Reward
yourself: This doesn't mean that if your resolution is to diet you can eat
an entire box of chocolates. Instead, celebrate your success by treating
yourself to something else you enjoy. Track your progress: Keep track of
each small success you make toward reaching your larger goal. Short-term
goals are easier to keep, and small accomplishments will help keep you
motivated. Don't beat yourself up: Obsessing over the occasional slip won't
help you achieve your goal. Do the best you can each day, and take them one
at a time. Stick to it: Experts say it takes about 21 days for a new
activity, such as exercising, to become a habit, and 6 months for it to
become a part of your personality. Something to think about. Keep trying:
If your resolution has totally run out of steam by mid-February, don't
despair. Start over again! There's no reason you can't make a "New
Year's Resolution" any time of year.
Having
a Productive New Year
For many of you, a new year means a fresh start, a
clean slate, a chance to begin again. The activities and attitudes you
adopt now can lead to progress. The first step is to become aware of how
you spend your time. Focus on one task. You may have a talent for
multitasking-doing or thinking several things at once. But this sort of
mental race can waste time and energy in certain situations. Sometimes,
doing something really well and efficiently requires your full attention
without interference or distractions. Handle the important stuff first. Do
you tend to address matters that are urgent over those that are important?
Could be procrastination-you may be getting things done but are you making
progress? Organize your activities. Chart them by the month and then by the
week in more detail. This step can keep you focused and on schedule. It
also reduces stress and errors. Review your priorities each day. Eliminate
one unproductive activity. Cut out things like gossip or Internet surfing
that don't bring satisfaction or progress. Use the quickest form of
communication. Rely on telephone or e-mail to handle issues when traveling
by foot or car would waste time. Start the day right. Maintain energy every
day with healthy foods, daily exercise and plenty of rest and relaxation to
prevent fatigue.
Making
Your Money Grow with a 401(k)
By not participating in the 401(k) retirement plan
we offer as one of your employment benefits, you could be missing out on
what is probably the best opportunity for anyone to save significant
retirement income. Most people don't participate because they don't think
they can afford to have any more money deducted from their paychecks than
is already required. Truth is, you can't afford not to. With a 401(k) plan,
you choose the amount you want to contribute and because your contributions
are deducted before taxes are taken out, your taxable income is reduced and
you pay fewer taxes. And, since your contribution is automatically deducted
from your paycheck or settlement, you're less likely to miss it and won't
be tempted to spend it. As the company matches a percentage of the money
you contribute, it's like getting free money added to your retirement
savings. What's better than free money? There's no need to feel
apprehensive if you don't completely understand the world of 'high
finance'. With this plan, you get the best of both worlds. You decide how
your funds will be allocated and divided plus, you have the benefit of
professional portfolio managers at Principal Financial who perform the
research and analysis to identify good investments so you don't have to.
They can also help you determine the growth level required to reach your
personal retirement goals and assess the risk level you're willing to take
to achieve those goals. Because your contributions, employer match, and the
earnings you make on your investment are not taxed until you withdraw the
money at retirement, more of your money is working for you, which makes it
grow faster. Not participating in your employer's 401(k) plan is like
seeing tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands, of dollars on the
ground and not bothering to stop and pick it up. Please note: Early
withdrawals are subject to higher tax rates and penalties.
Quick
Hands-On Stress Relief
Got a minute? These moves can help relieve tension
around your head, neck, shoulders, and hands: The Scalp Soother. Place thumbs
behind your ears and spread your fingers on top of your head. Move your
scalp back and forth slightly by making circles with your fingertips for
15-20 seconds. This technique is also said to encourage hair growth. The
Eye Easer. Close your eyes and place your ring fingers directly under your
eyebrows, near the bridge of your nose. Slowly increase pressure for 5
seconds, then gently release. Repeat 2-3 times. The Shoulder Saver. Place
your left hand on the right side of your neck by your shoulder. Press fingers
firmly into the muscle while tucking your chin in toward your chest. Hold
this position for 10 seconds, release, and then repeat on the left side.
The Palm Pleaser. Lace your fingers together, leaving thumbs free. Slowly
knead your left thumb into the palm of your right hand for 20-30 seconds.
Then repeat on your left hand.
KOOK'S
KORNER
Tuscan
Sausage & Bean Soup
1¼ cups dry Great Northern
beans 1 clove minced garlic 1¾ cups beef broth 12-oz fresh
Italian sausage links, cut into ½-inch slices ½ cup chopped onion 1
medium yellow or zucchini squash, sliced, cup dry red wine or water
5-oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained
1 14½-oz can Italian style tomatoes, cut up, un-drained
Makes 4 to 5 servings. Rinse beans. In a large saucepan or Dutch
oven combine beans and 4 cups cold water. Boil uncovered, for 10 minutes,
drain. Meanwhile, in a medium skillet cook Italian sausage until brown.
Drain well on paper towels. In a 3½- to 4-quart slow cooker, combine the
beans, 4 cups fresh water, beef broth, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning,
Italian sausage, squash, tomatoes, and red wine or water. Cook covered on
low heat for 11 to 12 hours or until beans are tender. Just before serving,
stir spinach into soup.
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