Copyright (c) 2010 Steve M Nash

“Party like it’s 1999″

That’s what Prince said in his famous song, 1999, written all the way back in 1982.

But, whether it’s 1982, 1999, 2009, 2010, 2011… it sounds like a very good life philosophy to take into a new year, don’t you think!

Especially, if you think of ‘partying’ – like I do – as another form of living in the moment, enjoying what you do as much as you can, flowing with what life brings you, and – above all – growing…

So, on that note, I give you 7 free inspirational quotes to inspire you to GROW this coming new year.

And I shall link these inspirational quotations with the most common new year resolutions, to help illustrate the benefits of making AND achieving those resolutions (should they apply to you).

Just in case you needed any convincing, so to speak.

Common New Year Resolution #1: LOSE WEIGHT

“Take care of your body.

It’s the only place you have to live.” –Jim Rohn

So, does it *really* matter than you lose weight, or is it actually more important that you look after your body via healthy eating, and regular bouts of exercise.

Losing weight is hard, maybe even ‘impossible’ for you right now. But walking a bit more, and taking a little bit of extra care about the temple that is your body (don’t laugh!) is something you CAN do.

Choose a resolution you can achieve. It’s only fair on you.

Common New Year Resolution #2: STICK TO A BUDGET

“A fool and his money are easily parted.” –Proverb

Hmm, it can be difficult to stick to a budget, it really can.

After all there are so many ‘shiny things’ to buy. There are so many items on sale at such cheap, cheap prices. And you’re going to go into debt at the end of the month, anyway, so what harm does this little extra spend make now?

Still, it is hard to argue with proverbs, you’ve got to admit.

Common New Year Resolution #3: FIND MY SOULMATE

“There is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world than for bread.” –Mother Teresa

Love makes the world go round.

It also makes the world go ’round the bend’ with frustration:

* Why are there so many frogs to kiss? * Why are all the best women taken? * Why can’t he (or she) be more, y’know, ‘normal’ like me?

Quite simply – and it’s time to stand in front of the mirror now, Dear Reader – if you’re serious about finding a great partner in the new year, then you seriously have to change what you’re doing to attract them into your life.

Stop blaming the supply of fish.

Look in the mirror. The blame lies there. (Ouch.)

Common New Year Resolution #4: QUIT SMOKING

“If people don’t love themselves enough to cut down on their smoking, they may love someone else enough to do it.” –Anonymous smoker

I’ve never been a smoker, so I don’t know how confoundedly difficult it is to quit the habit.

I don’t know how this habit weaves itself into the patterns of daily life, so that something as simple as that first cup of coffee in the day also yields a yearning for a quick drag.

I don’t know how someone else’s smoke can do the same.

But if you’re a smoker, you do – you know all of these things.

And you also know that it *is* possible to quit smoking – IF you want to.

It’s up to you…

Common New Year Resolution #5: FIND A BETTER JOB

“Without work, all life goes rotten. But when work is soulless, life stifles and dies.” –Albert Camus

What is the point of work, at the end of the day, if it’s NOT a means to a satisfactory end?

Work to live or live to work. It’s a simple choice. It involves costs you might not be willing to pay – like saying ‘bye bye’ to the very latest car or TV or iPhone, etc. – but it IS a simple choice.

Work to live or live to work. Again, it’s up to you…

Common New Year Resolution #6: LEARN SOMETHING NEW

“Education is the best provision for old age.” –Aristotle

There is nothing better for an aging mind than to be kept busy – busy with learning.

Just like the body needs exercise, so does the mind. And this is especially so when you consider the often mind-deadening impact that ‘popular’ TV has on it.

So learn a new language.

Or find a new hobby.

But keep stretching your mind…

Common New Year Resolution #7: GET ORGANISED

“The way to do things is to begin.” –Horace Greely

Of course, it’s important to plan – to plan your day, to plan your week and even to plan your new year. (It’s probably not going to be possible to achieve ALL of your goals, your new year resolutions, without some form of planning.)

But planning only takes you so far. Action needs to get involved, too.

And that just means taking the first step…

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So there you are, 7 free inspirational quotes and 7 of the most common new year resolutions.

Let’s hope you’re able to put these inspirational quotations into practice – this time, this year.

Let’s hope that these final, cutting words WILL NOT apply to you…

“Many people look forward to the new year for a new start on old habits.” — Author Unknown

Happy New Year