Readers weigh in on keys to resolutions

DEAR READERS: In my New Year's Day column, I shared my resolution for the new year and asked readers to do the same. I hope reading these responses will inspire people to stick to their promises.

DEAR AMY: My New Year's resolution is to get to bed on time. On a work night, that would be right after the weather report runs on my local news show. The trick is to not give up after breaking it once. I can always start over tomorrow!Carrie Bryan,

Independence, Mo.

DEAR AMY: I resolve that this year I'm going to see more live music, and dance more. It is great for the soul and, in many cases, costs the same as - or less than - a movie.Amanda Nourse, Boston

DEAR AMY: For years, my New Year's resolution was "to get organized." I had no plan, no incentive and no support. Last year I joined a "clutter group." A professional organizer leads it, and it is free. I now have a support group filled with people who relate to each other without criticism. It is working for me.Clutter Reduced in Chico, Calif.

DEAR AMY: I was never one for New Year's resolutions, but for two or three years I made a list of things about myself I would change. I filed them away and never gave them another thought. To my surprise, years later I had kept almost all of them. It seems that just writing them down helped them come true!Better Person for It

DEAR AMY: I made this resolution last year and am doing it again this year. Each day I compliment someone. The lady in front of me in line with a pretty scarf, the family in a restaurant with well-behaved children, the person who holds a door for me, etc. It helps to look for the good in people and makes someone's day pleasant.Cecelia Lovas