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.