It is that time of year again, when the calendar clicks over one digit and for some reason we all get obsessed with the change we wish to see in ourselves. How long does that last? Here are my 3 tips on how to make resolution that you can actually stick with.

1. February
• The number one resolution you should keep is this one: "I promise to revisit my resolutions in February." It takes 21 days to make a habit (or any relative routine that The Power of Habit book suggests) so make a plan to reevaluate how you are doing. Even if you don't keep the resolution past January 2nd, you can at least meet the resolution of measuring how poorly you're doing.
2. Stop and start
• Some of the best advice I've read on this subject is to make 2 types of resolutions: start doing something that you want to and stop doing things you don't want to. Instead of thinking of it as "I will stop hitting the snooze button", say "I will start waking up earlier by finding a new way to wake up". You already know the snooze button doesn't work. Putting the clock across the room didn't work. Even the dog jumping on you didn't work. Just like Edison and the light-bulb, you only need to find one way that works and you keep a resolution by just trying!
3. Fun and Long
• Why do resolutions have to be stressful things to become a better person? Think of this list as a way to achieve that "before I die" bucket list  Set a goal of seeing one of the wonders of the world (recommended by 5 years book), climb your first 14er, or bake your first apple pie from scratch. For me in 2013 I plan to do some sightseeing of my own state and visit the microbreweries of Colorado. Life is so much more interesting with goals like that!

Is the world really coming to an end? There seems to be many arguments with the US fiscal cliff, the Mayan 13th bak'tun year, and assorted other horrors in the news this past year. But every end is also a new beginning, right? So I think we should take this time to learn from all of these close calls and be smarter about the future.

1. Be prepared financially
• There will be ups and downs in life that can be very costly. Whether it is a flooded basement, repair construction on I-25, or fighting 9/11 terror, surprises happen that you will "do whatever it takes" to make it right. You can't plan for specific downfalls but you can save for a rainy day.  See specific ideas here at Daily Worth.
2. Be strong socially
• Don't be the one in the dark that didn't know that CU got a new head football coach (from San Jose), that your mentor was nationally recognized, or that Miss USA won Miss Universe 2012. Being on top of the local buzz not only makes you intellectual but your peers will appreciate the attention. Make your personal interactions count and you will see career growth in our future. For tips on socializing visit BlogHer.
3. Celebrate yourself mentally
• "Be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi was wise in that if you want something to happen you better take charge and you'd be surprised how far one voice can go. Be influential and start speaking up in meetings, volunteering locally, and reward yourself. Don't wait for others to recognize your efforts, recognize them yourself! No one else can do it as well as you can and you should take a stand where it matters to you. Donate to causes like Kiva and Half the Sky, be motivated to tell your story at TED, or simply celebrate life and live it to the fullest through something at Travel Zoo.

The holidays aren't too stressful for me and my house this year since there will only be four of us, but some how I'm still not ready for the festivities. Still on the "to do" list? Menu planning, light hanging, present wrapping, and constantly chasing the cat out of the tree. That's pretty much all of it, isn't it?

Whether you have 20+ people or 2, started planning in July or still procrastinating ("I'll get it done next weekend"), or celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah, there is enough stress surrounding the month of December to make up for the rest of the year. So here are some comical tips to relax a little!

1. Stuff your face
• There is always tons of food: Christmas cookies, Starbucks eggnog lattes, and your relative's French style of cooking. For one, you don't have to talk or answer awkward family questions if your mouth is full. And another thing is you don't have to worry about calories because New Year's Resolutions are in just a week and you can restart your weight loss goals then.
2. Blast music
• My least favorite thing about this time of year are the roads. Even if you avoid the malls and shops, everyone is in a hurry on the crowded and reckless roads and if you add snow then something naughty is bound to happen. My remedy is blasting Christmas music in your car and singing badly along with it. Then maybe after the 3 minutes of "Grandma got run over by a reindeer" your car will seem that much closer to your freeway exit.
3. Sleep in
• What better way to prepare for Christmas insomnia than complete ignorance? There is nothing that makes me feel better when it is snowing crazy outside than staying in bed until 11 am... or so. It is warm and quiet. Where else can you find your sanity and relax this time of year?

I don't have any kids (yet) but I do have my hands full enough with two crazy pets: Rubix, a 3-year old Aussie mix, and Jones, the fluffiest orange cat you've ever seen. While on vacation, the pets were left with the best sitters, my parents, and even after two weeks, Rubix and Jones are still happy and jumpy, demanding unusual amounts of loving attention. I missed them too and nothing is more rewarding than ... freezing Colorado walks outside? ...

1. High energy and enthusiasm
• Rubix may try to convince you otherwise when held at a "sit-stay" command, but you should should never underestimate her hyperactivity. She always wants to win, and her determination in the way she chases a Frisbee or squeaks rubber toys is unwavering. I challenge every team member to have the same positive attitude every second of every day. 
2. Unforgiving reminders
• Rubix is not the most patient dog in the world. Nope. When she is hungry it must be food time even if it is 2 hours early according to MST. But that impatience can actually be an asset that team members lack when faced with project deadlines. People make honest mistakes, forget things, or struggle with juggling tasks. Constant and repetitive reminders (whether two or five or more times) are essential for success. It reminds us just how important our work is to others. I bet no one can do that as persistent as my dog.
3. Opportunistic
• Rubix is always watching your every move and tries to anticipate the next opportunity of a new command, thrown ball, or FedEx delivery. She learns what types of signals to look for that mean something is changing and tries to adjust quickly in order to still catch the ball or jump on the unsuspecting visitor. She's not afraid to change her ball-catching strategy and I wish team members would be as receptive to change.

I just returned from a fantastic Caribbean cruise where we visited Key West, Belize, Guatemala, and Cozumel, Mexico. The most important thing that you have to be sure to do when you are visiting all of these places is: make it back to the boat. Well, I'm happy to say we did! We even did so without getting lost, mugged or killed and were able to see and take pictures of some pretty amazing things!

I am a loud advocate for using your vacation time and even more so to get out and see stuff. But after being on this mini adventure, I believe everyone should take their vacation time one step further and make sure to do something dangerous. Do something that makes you catch your breath. Do something that you might not do in a safety net of soon being back on your couch at home.

1. Danger makes you learn your limits
• Are you really going to get into that Guatemalan natural hot springs sauna with 6 natives? You don't worry about the germs, messing up your hair, or the possible wild snakes. This is not a recommendation to throw your sensibility out the window, but I do believe in the wild you are able to step a little closer to the edge -- all for the sake of learning or experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
2. Danger puts reality into perspective
• Getting into a taxi with someone you never would otherwise and asking for directions hoping they even speak your language is actually kind of scary. But it puts things into perspective when back at work you were hesitant to return that unhappy customer's phone call. Stepping into the unknown allows you to ask yourself "What's the worst that could happen?" with a little more realism and keep that wisdom.
3. Danger allows you to survive from it, relax and remember how much you are worth
• When you return to "normal", you realize just how much you can live with/without your talent and tasks that are so "indispensable". You really can step away when you need to and your team will have your back. They just survived a whole freaking week without you so now you can miss an hour if you need to and go to the dentist. Your team really is that good, just like you!