Many new tools available for self-improvement plans

How did last year's New Year's resolutions turn out?

That bad, huh?

Not even going to try this year?

That would REALLY be bad.

There's no reason we can't change ourselves at any time of year, but flipping the calendar over to a new year is a natural time to turn over a new leaf in our lives.

That's especially true as we are coming off the traditional season of excess -- too much of the wrong kind of food, too many activities, too much spending; you name it, we've probably done too much of it as the year draws to a close.

If you've become addicted to television shows like the "Biggest Loser," you should have plenty of inspiration to get off the couch and script your own weight-loss success story. McCook is blessed with the YMCA and other health clubs, and social media is a new, valuable tool for encouraging one another and organizing events designed to make exercise fun.

Plus, there are smart phone apps and new smart watches that can help you track your diet and exercise in a private way if you like -- or if you're braver, share on Facebook or Twitter.

We're also blessed with a good supply of healthy food, both through traditional channels, or through food co-ops, the Prairie Land Food program or, in season, local commercial gardens and farmers markets. A little planning ahead and learning of preservation skills can make those local, healthy foods available year-round.

A number of people enjoy computerized Internet meal-planning systems to expand their culinary horizons in healthy directions.

Like to quit smoking? Community Hospital and others offer quit-smoking programs and systems to help you achieve those goals. The jury is still out on electronic cigarettes, but those, nicotine patches and other medications offer new weapons against tobacco addiction.

Like to get out of debt and get your spending under control? A number of residents have improved their financial outlook by taking courses like those offered by Dave Ramsey, Crown Financial Ministries and others -- which also encourage a balanced lifestyle that includes charity contributions.

Speaking of charities, New Year's is a great time to give back to your community -- and yourself -- by volunteering. Check with your church, service organization or nonprofit like the McCook Humane Society and you'll find there's no shortage of jobs for willing volunteers.

If paid employment is a more urgent concern, McCook is blessed with several large employers and a strong educational system, including McCook Community College, to help earn qualifications for a better-paying job.

Cold weather like we're experiencing today lends itself to staying inside, keeping warm and thinking about things like goals for the coming year.

Why not jot some of them down and work on them over the coming year? With a little effort, by next New Year's Eve, we'll be surprised how many of them we have been able to check off.

Visit http://1.usa.gov/1xxIhR5 for more inspiration and information about New Year's resolutions.