If you’re part of the 45 percent of the population who make New Year’s resolutions, I have some bad news for you. Only 8 percent of you will actually be successful in keeping that resolution, according to a study by the University of Scranton.

You can stack the odds in your favor by making your goals very specific and measurable and by getting some support in helping to meet them.

Here’s a look at the Top 10 resolutions made last year and how you might pursue them in you live in Lake Oswego.

1. Lose weight. Start training for the Lake Run and shedding those pounds. Set for Saturday, May 10 you have five months to get in shape for either their 12K, 5K or Kids Dash. According to the experts, that’s the perfect goal—measurable and doable. What are you waiting for?
2. Get organized. Enlist the help of a professional like Danielle Liu, a certified professional organizer at Totally Orderly in West Linn.
3. Spend less, save more. Take advantage of all the FREE opportunities offered here in Lake Oswego from the LO Reads program that kicks off January 7 to the summer concert series.
4. Enjoy life to the fullest. I see some pretty happy people around town in Lake Oswego. They’re often spotted biking, running or walking around the lake, jumping off the docks at the Lake Grove swim park, harvesting their crops from the community gardens at Luscher Farm, enjoying the local cuisine at a variety of neighborhood favorite spots, debating the nuances of wines from different regions at World Class Wines…the list goes on. The opportunities to enjoy life to the fullest are here for the taking.
5. Stay fit and healthy. Enroll in a fitness class through the parks and recreation department with offerings from NIA to meditation. And start working more fruits and veggies into your diet—the Lake Oswego Farmer’s Market will make that much easier for you.
6. Learn something exciting. How’s Argentine Tango sound? You can try it for free (see resolution #3) on Thursday, January 2 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Lake Oswego Adult Community Center at 505 G. Avenue.
7. Quit smoking. Refer to #1. Start training for the Lake Run and you’ll want those lungs to be at full capacity. Smoking won’t seem like such a good idea.
8. Help others in their dreams. Check out all the volunteer opportunities through the city of Lake Oswego from babysitting at the Farmer’s Market Doggie Day Care (contact Mary Kelly at 503.697.6517) or leading student groups on field trips to Luscher Farm (Dawn at 503.534.5284.).
9. Fall in love. Circle Valentine’s Day on your calendar and then make a point to attend Maher’s Pub’s Speed Dating event.
10. Spend more time with your family. Once again, the city of Lake Oswego is here to help. Take advantage of family-oriented programming from Movies in the Park during the summer to the Daddy-Daughter Dance, coming up March 8.

If one of your resolutions is to buy or sell your home, give me a call at 503.939.9801. I’ve been helping folks keep that New Year’s resolution for the past 25 years and would love to do the same for you.

Photo credit: Stuart Miles at freedigitalphotos.net