By Arlene Pellicane

The New Year is around the corner. With the change in the calendar year comes the promise of things to come. What changes would you like to see in your life in the upcoming year? Would you like to be richer in your relationships and your pocketbook? Thinner around the waistline? Wiser in your decision making? Anything is possible because the new year is a clean slate for you to write on.

1. Surround yourself with people who are doing what you long to do. If you want to be healthier in the New Year, hang out with people who eat healthy food and exercise. You want to catch some of their good eating and exercise habits. Keep people in your circle of friends and acquaintances who are doing great things so you will never become complacent and you will strive for more. If you want to invest in the stock market, talk with successful people who are making money in stocks or read books written by those who are. Whatever your interest, find someone to help you, whether through books, audio CDs, how to websites, or a real live person. Have people and numerous influences in your life that push you to become better.

2. Commit to long term change. How many of us go to the gym religiously in January, just to slack off in February, and stop going all together in March? When you think about creating a new you, don't just think of entertaining a guest for a few weeks until the old you comes creeping back. That's one reason why fad diets don't work long term because once the diet is over, it's back to your old ways. What you really need to do is make some positive changes you can keep. Think of having a new you for life.