Resolution Solution

Setting goals for a happy new year

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There are two things almost every person in the world has in common at New Year's. They look back on the year they just lived through, and plan for the year to come.

Making New Year's resolutions can be a fun and hopeful part of greeting the new year. A resolution is a promise to yourself that you will try hard to do something. Making that promise usually means setting particular goals that you want to reach.

Lots of people use the clean slate of a new year to break a bad habit or take on a good one. One of the most common resolutions is to be healthier. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has some ideas for kids to try in 2009. Check out the AAP's 20 Healthy New Year's Resolutions for Kids here.

You may resolve to do better in school. Managing your time well is an important part of succeeding at any thing you try. If you're not sure where to start, check out this special report on time management. You'll find lots of tools for getting organized and staying on track with your schoolwork.

And the Earth would certainly appreciate some of your attention in 2009. Take a look at Act Green for fun ways to go "green" for yourself, your home, your school, and even your whole community.

Once you have set your goals for 2009, share them with your family and friends. Maybe they have some of the same ambitions, and you can cheer each other on as you work toward a happy and healthy new year.

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Do you have a New Year's resolution? Share what bad habits you are breaking (or good habits you are making) on the Scholastic News Online blog.

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