The Publisher | Jimmy Dean

Sometimes, it's the smallest things.

Dear Readers:

Happy 2009! The turning of the calendar always solicits one’s yearly promise to improve something or another. Resolutions are made and soon broken. While some actually do achieve their chosen goals, many, many more fail.

And it’s all because we aim too high.

Rather than making some huge, life-changing resolution this New Year, try looking for something small you can change with little or no effort. By selecting something small, something simple, you’ll be more likely to find some sort of success. And then maybe momentum will kick in, and you’ll end up finding the motivation you need to finally conquer that resolution that has evaded you year after year.

Here’s what I mean. Last month, I noticed I had lost about eight pounds. Proud of myself, I announced my victory aloud at the dinner table one night. “The microwave’s been broken for three weeks, Dad…you haven’t been pigging out on popcorn every night,” my eight year old chimed in. “That’s right, Dad,” added the mouth-like-me 11 year-old.

They were right. The microwave has been broken for almost a month, and that was about the only difference in my diet and (lack of) physical activity. And I lost eight pounds! So now I’m pumped about shaping up. Those eight pounds must have been the tipping point because I feel so much better without them. I’m inspired to work harder at staying in shape. I might even dig out that YMCA membership card and put it to good use.

In this issue, we help you through your New Year’s promises to yourself with several simple solutions for your resolutions. The key word being “simple.” Find your favorite way to move it — maybe the phrase “move it or lose it” should be changed to “move it and lose it” — and drop a few pounds. Or whatever it is you want to change about yourself, start small. Rewards will come.

Happy New Year! I’m celebrating with a big bowl of popcorn as I watch the ball drop. Sometimes, it really is the smallest things.

Sincerely,

Jimmy Dean, Publisher