Happy New Year! So now it’s officially January 2015 and you’ve likely made a resolution or two that you are gearing up to follow through with. If you’re not set up for success, it’s that much harder to achieve it—and every step towards your goals involves preparation and a lot of effort over the months ahead.
Continuing Your Education
Goals in the area of self-improvement are also oftentimes career-focused, which goes hand-in-hand with engaging in experiences that allow us to learn how to be the best professional in our respective fields. We are fortunate to live in a time where there is a program of study out there for everyone, and plenty of options that allow for traditional and non-traditional students alike to reach their goals.
Flexibility is certainly one of the most important facets of any program; we are all busy people and to be successful at anything, there has to be a way to integrate it into our daily lives and hectic schedules without setting ourselves up for failure. The best part of so many post-high school programs today is not only their diversity but that they are specifically designed to incorporate time in the classroom with time in the field and various online applications—or can even be completed entirely online. Especially for those who aspire to be future business leaders, an MBA program will equip students with the qualitative and quantitative skills required to excel in the business world.
Nichole MacDonald, associate director of MBA programs at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, offers several key pieces of advice for those considering the pursuit of an MBA degree:
1. When prepping for admission into an MBA program, one of the biggest hurdles to overcome is taking the GMAT entrance exam. At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, we help students prepare by offering GMAT Strategy Workshops. In these sessions, each section of the test is explained, sample questions are discussed and study plans are developed for success.
2. One key consideration when selecting an MBA program is course delivery method. At UNL we offer both on-campus and online options. All of our MBA students receive the same caliber education because the same professors teaching on-campus are also teaching the equivalent course via the online route. This differentiates our online MBA program among the majority of other institutions.
3. When considering the realm of MBA programs, students should not only look at the cost of the program, but also the quality. Rankings are one way to measure these factors. Our MBA program is AACSB accredited and is ranked 6th in the nation among online programs by U.S. News & World Report.
Here are some of our most notable rankings of the MBA program at UNL:
Although rankings are important, it is also wise to reach out to students who are currently enrolled in the program to collect feedback on various topics, such as advising and career services, collaboration between faculty and students, as well as networking in and outside the classroom.
4. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s MBA program can fit anyone’s schedule. Students take classes at their own pace, allowing time for work and other personal responsibilities. Eight-week sessions provide quality education with timely results. With the flexibility of online, on-campus or a combination, course scheduling can be customized around one’s other commitments.
David O’Neill, College of Graduate Studies Enrollment Specialist at Concordia University, also provides some helpful information for those looking into continuing their education:
“The one thing that we like to tell people about our program is that it will fit anyone. Whether you are in marketing, human resources, or in a management role, our program is designed to accommodate multiple professions. This past year, we’ve redesigned the entire program to be more student-oriented. Jon Moberly, our MBA Program Director, has created a student advisory panel, which enables us to get direct feedback from our students. Using this feedback, we have changed class structures, and improved the way classes are presented to the students. All of that change came directly from our students. If you want a program that truly believes that the student comes first, then Concordia is the place for you.
Going back to school is a financial commitment no matter where you go, but it is also a time commitment. When many students were completing their undergraduate degrees, they did not have a family nor a full-time job to balance with coursework. No matter what institution or program students choose to pursue, it is always an initial shock for students trying to balance their professional lives, personal lives, and the demands of graduate level work. Graduate programs operate at a much higher level than undergraduate programs and do require work to be done outside of the classroom. Concordia’s program is geared to accommodate working professionals by only meeting one night a week. When you start our program, you know what night you will meet for the entire two year program. Concordia provides textbooks and iPad’s to our students, at no extra cost, to relieve them of the financial burden and hassle of ordering books every 8 weeks. Our Fallbrook campus is also conveniently located only five minutes from downtown Lincoln. Our ultimate goal is that you feel you have received a return on your investment in every course you take with us, both time and money.
Furthermore, if going back to school is truly a desire of yours, tell your current employer. There are many companies in Lincoln that offer financial support for their employees to go back to school or finish their degree. It’s essentially free money that you are receiving to invest in yourself. Asking never hurts and it shows that you have the drive to improve yourself.”
He adds, “Warren Buffett said it best, ‘…investing in yourself is the best thing you can do. Anything that improves your own talents; nobody can tax it or take it away from you.’ There is never going to be a fantastic time to go back and pursue your graduate degree, especially when you have a family and a full-time job. However, investing in yourself is one of the best things you can do professionally. Whether it’s continually doing on the job work training, finishing your bachelor’s degree, or getting your MBA, education has no limits. There is no other way to surpass your goals, other than by constantly improving and educating yourself.
Everyone wants to do better. It’s the people that step up to the plate and take a swing that hit the home runs. Not taking initiative may keep you on the team, but if you want to excel in what you do, now is the time to make the change and go for it. The only thing holding you back is you.”
Leading a Healthier Lifestyle
This is a resolution many of us set for ourselves–and one that really takes a commitment on a daily basis.
“When embarking on a New Year’s Resolution or goal that pertains to health and fitness, it is important to note that it should become a priority,” advises Janelle Thompson, Ifpa Pro, Group Fitness Director and a Personal Trainer at Lincoln Racquet Club. “Put it near the top of your list of daily things to do. Set yourself up for success with both a nutritional plan as well as a fitness plan designed around your interests and goals, as the two go hand in hand. Your goal will be met much sooner and with more ease when you implement these training components.
The Lincoln Racquet Club has so many ways to help those looking to commit to a resolution of leading a healthier lifestyle. From personal training to fun and motivating group fitness classes for adults and kids. We also offer nutritional counseling and all kinds of additional programs and classes both land and water based throughout the year. We literally offer something for everyone.
A few of the benefits to adapting a healthy lifestyle through a regular exercise plan or routine would be:
1. Disease prevention–such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes. 2. Injury prevention
3. Increased energy–also attained through a healthy diet. 4. Healthy weight maintenance
5. Good mental health–physical activity can defend against depression, sharpen memory and stabilize mood. 6. Improved sleep
Bottom line, when you implement proper fitness and nutrition components into your lifestyle as a priority, improvements will be felt as well as seen.”
According to Thompson, a few training formats that remain impactful in the fitness industry for 2015 are:
• HIIT or high intensity interval training–“If you have done Tabata style training or boot camp, then you are familiar with this type of training. HIIT continues to grow in popularity because it works for almost all fitness levels and results can come fairly quickly for most people. Also gaining popularity are shorter duration HIIT sessions which are key for those looking to stay fit on tight schedules.” she advises.
• Bodyweight training–with or without a suspension trainer.
• Group personal training and small group training.
• Recovery— “Whether it’s in the form of foam rolling classes or implementing the proper stretching techniques, a focus on this important aspect of training is something we will likely see more of,” she adds.
Thompson also offers some helpful tips on setting resolutions. “Setting resolutions and following through can be a motivating factor in itself. First, determine a realistic goal that can be reached in an appropriate amount of time. Losing 10 pounds in 10 days is far from a realistic goal. Keep the goal attainable and set benchmark goals along the way. Once a health and fitness resolution/goal has been determined, make it a priority and tell as many people as possible. Co-workers, friends and family can make it real for you and can help to hold you accountable. They may even be inspired and want to join you. The social aspect of varied group fitness classes with a balance of strength and cardio can also be a good source of motivation.
Next, establish a routine. A good rule of thumb is that it can take about 21 days to establish a habit. So, pick the time of day that you know that you are most likely to workout, arrange your schedule, and set your alarm. Make this “your time” and soon you won’t want to miss it. Take note here, you may even have increased and/or more sustained energy levels throughout the day, better sleep, and increased self-motivation to keep you going. Bonus!
Whether its weight loss, strength, athletic performance or just to look and feel better, the LRC has a vast array of options for you to choose from to help you reach your fitness goals. You will find our staff more than happy to recommend a path for you to get you on your way to meeting your health and fitness goals.”
Whether your resolution is to try out a new sport, get involved in a group sport, a fitness goal, or just to lead a healthier lifestyle, you’ll need to be properly equipped. Play it Again Sports has a great variety of new and gently used sports and fitness equipment that is reasonably priced, which is also perfect if another one of your resolutions is to save money! But the selection isn’t the best part; you can try everything out in the store to see if you like it before you commit. “Our inventory is always on display for our customers to view and try out prior to purchasing,” says Diane Hesson, owner of Play it Again Sports. “We offer plenty of cardio and strength equipment and a large assortment of the functional fitness items that are consistently in high demand.” She adds, “Resolutions can be difficult to put into place; so I’d recommend setting reasonable goals. Make them attainable so that you feel that you’re making strides, no matter how small they might seem. Thinking that you’re going to start exercising an hour a day 7 days a week – if you’re not already committed to some sort of routine – is simply setting yourself up for disappointment. Start small and work yourself into a habit with realistic goals.”
For success with any health-related goals, it is also very important for your hormones to be in balance and working for you, not against you. Holistic Harmony Healthcare specializes in assessing which hormonal levels are out of balance, and restoring that balance with natural therapies. Debbie Reynolds-Hughes, Nurse Practitioner and owner of Holistic Harmony Healthcare, explains, “There are many different factors that can disrupt optimal hormone balance. My goal is to help patients with lifestyle changes, which can be really hard but it is the only way to have complete healing of any hormone imbalances that exist.
Your hormone levels will fluctuate and decline as you age, but you can restore proper hormone balance through natural bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. This can be delivered in a plant-derived compounded form that can be ingested with a lozenge, applied topically, or through Hormone Pelleting, which is a simple in office sterile procedure that inserts a pellet in subcutaneous tissue and slowly releases hormones over three months. Once your hormones are in harmony again, the symptoms will usually disappear. When your hormones are properly balanced, your quality of life will improve. You’ll feel younger, more energized and more emotionally balanced. Hormones are the chemical messengers of your body, so when they’re properly balanced and functioning, all of your body systems work more smoothly. With accurate testing, and medical supervision, you can discover your current hormone levels. If your levels are low, using a combination of bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, nutrition plans, supplements and fitness guidance, our nurse practitioner can help you naturally balance your hormones and feel better than you have in years.
I am also board certified in anti-aging medicine, so I help people not only feel good on the inside but also on the outside. My analogy is that if you are driving an antique car that starts to get rust and dents, you take it to the body shop to fix it up. The same is true for aging; once you get your hormones balanced and you are feeling good but you look in the mirror and think ‘What the heck happened?’ you can also get your vibrant appearance back at any age. Not that you need to look 20 years old again, but that your outside reflects how good you feel on the inside. This can be done with a variety of aesthetic services that we offer.
As it is my goal to treat the whole person, Holistic Harmony Healthcare offers a variety of services that serve to balance the mind, body and spirit. This includes aesthetic services, Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy, a holistic bar full of items that provide nutritional support and detoxification options, nutrition therapy, lifestyle coaching including weight loss and fitness, and psychiatric services.”
“Leading a healthier lifestyle is the perfect New Year’s Resolution,” emphasizes Steve Holzwarth, owner of the new Profile by Sanford location in Lincoln. “It will help you both short term and long term. As the cost of insurance is a current concern for most of us, it’s also something that will lower your healthcare costs. A perfect example of this is lowering or eliminating the need for medication. You will also feel better in your own skin and feel better overall.
If your resolution is leading a healthier lifestyle, it can be difficult to achieve success if you are doing it on your own. I would recommend having a partner go through the process with you. Whether that is your spouse, friend, family member, etc. It is best to have someone go through the process with you so you can have someone to hold you accountable when there may be hurdles to overcome. This is also where our 1 on 1 coaching is so important to our members’ success.
At Profile by Sanford, we can help people whose New Year’s Resolution is to live a healthier lifestyle. With our 1 on 1 coaching, our coaches are able to help keep the members accountable throughout the year. They teach them how to read a food label, portion control, social eating habits and just getting them on the right track to success. We also utilize up-to-date, state of the art technology that helps visualize your progress. Our SMART body scale measures your weight, BMI, BMR, total fat %, bone density, hydration % and muscle mass.
New Year’s resolutions are always tough. You wouldn’t be making a resolution if it wasn’t. Be strong and stick to it and you will have success. We have free orientation sessions Monday through Friday at 5:30 p.m. if you would like to learn more about our program and how it can work for you.”
Tammie Collier, owner of Farrell’s eXtreme Bodyshaping in Lincoln, provides insight into the importance of utilizing effective, proven methods for achieving success with your health and fitness goals:
“Oh, those dreaded New Year’s resolutions! Farrell’s is a results based program offering cardio kickboxing, strength training and nutrition education all in one package. Any one of them singularly can help you start down the path to weight loss and a healthier lifestyle. But combining all 3 in your fitness routine is where you will see more measurable results faster. At Farrell’s, we not only combine all 3 for our members but we offer a coach and individual instructors to guide you through a 45 minute workout. Nutrition education is vitally important – you can work out all you want, but if you don’t adopt healthy eating habits, your results will be minimized! We don’t ‘diet’ at Farrell’s but we do learn how to fuel our bodies with good nutrition so that you can lose fat and inches! We help you track your progress throughout our 10 week program and celebrate at the end of the session by rewarding the member with the most transformation in that 10 weeks with $1000!
I distinctly remember recently coming across the statistic that nearly ½ of Americans make a New Year’s Resolution and out of that group, only 8% are actually successful in achieving them. A few simple things can help lead you to being one of those in the 8% category:
1. Set reasonable goals for yourself, with measurable results. Don’t set too many goals for yourself. Keep your list short. As you achieve one goal, you can add another but making your list of goals too long can set you up for failure.
2. Share your goals with others (friends, family, co-workers), seek their support in helping you attain the goal and they can help keep you accountable as well!
3. Believe you can do it! And equally important, understand that mistakes are part of success–don’t be afraid to make them and don’t quit when you do!
4. Have a plan, write it down, and schedule your workouts in your calendar just like you would an appointment or a meeting!
5. Reward yourself along the way – celebrate success!
In our industry, you’ll often hear of the latest craze in working out but honestly, it’s really about sticking to what you know works. Cardio exercise combined with strength training to burn fat and build muscle is proven to be effective time and time again. Don’t get caught up in fad diets! Learn how to make healthy choices daily, rationalize your portions and treat yourself in moderation…but only when you’re working out regularly and maintaining a healthy diet the rest of the time! Remember, diets are often a duration of time, with a start and end date. They can sometimes be a short term fix, but without combining all three elements into your lifestyle, you’ll likely find yourself looking for a new fix again after the ‘diet’ is over. Remember cardio, strength training and good nutrition!”
“Getting healthy and fit should be a lifestyle change, not something you just decide to do on January 1st and quit a month later,” adds Kristin Hain, owner of Healthy Home Fitness. “It’s important to be realistic when setting your goals and establish WHY you want to reach them. Do you have a history of health problems in your family that could be prevented or lessened by living a healthier lifestyle? Do you run out of breath when you try to play with your kids? If you take time to come up with a really solid WHY you want to get healthy and fit, it will drive you through the days when you just don’t feel like exercising or eating right. If the only reason why you start is because you want to fit into a certain pair of pants, it’s likely not going to be a strong enough motivator to keep you going long-term. I encourage you to dig deeper into the reason behind your lifestyle change and find something that comes from your heart. Then take a picture of it, write it down or find a way to put it on a piece of paper and tape it up so you look at it every day. Put it on your bathroom mirror, the refrigerator and where you work out. The other very important thing to do is not to put all of your focus on your weight. Health and your progress should be mostly focused on your measurements and body fat percentage. These numbers will show you a much better picture of your current health. Get your body fat % tested before you start any new routine and then redo it again every 30 days.
Healthy Home Fitness offers a complete solution to get you on track to a healthier lifestyle. It’s important to be sure you have a fitness plan, a nutrition plan and great support to guide you along the way so you can reach your goals and be successful. Healthy Home Fitness offers a wide range of fitness programs anyone can do regardless of age or fitness level, each program comes with a unique nutrition plan that’s easy to follow and we offer a personal coach for one on one support plus an exclusive and private online group for additional support and accountability. Fitness + Nutrition + Support = SUCCESS!
We are constantly coming out with new fitness and nutrition programs so you’ll never get bored or plateau. We’ve got programs to fit into any lifestyle no matter how busy you are, we can help you find what will work best for you, your lifestyle and personal goals.
I offer free online coaching to my customers who use our programs and love to see the transformations that people go through on their journey to get heatlhy and fit. I’m now offering a new monthly FREE 7 Day Clean Eating Challenge that’s open to anyone. The group meets through a private page on Facebook and we provide a meal plan, healthy recipes, fitness and nutrition tips and great support and accountability during the week. If anyone’s interested in learning more about the Clean Eating groups, please contact me via email at Kristin@HealthyHomeFitness.com.”
“So many people make a resolution to be healthier each year, but many often give up if they don’t get results immediately,” notes Jill Robertson of Shape Up!. “I always suggest that people set their resolutions so that they are obtainable. For example, I am going to lose ten pounds or I am going to give up sugar. It is so much easier to accomplish than something so big or so restrictive that you just give up when you can’t accomplish it. Our Arasys Genius can give people the immediate results they are looking for so they stay motivated to continue with their healthy goals.
The Arasys Genius triggers all of the biological processes involved in physical exercise including building muscle, burning fat, detoxifying cells, boosting metabolism, enhancing lymphatic drainage and blood circulation. The technology of the Arasys Genius also increases hormone production of DHEA, TSH, T4, T3, Free T3, GH/IFG-1, and HGH hormones. It also provides significantly better results on visceral fat and increasing muscle mass.
One session hooked up to the Arasys Genius is the equivalent of doing 500 sit ups; however, you are laying back and relaxing. Results are immediate and increase with the number of sessions. The client burns fat, builds muscle, and loses inches without lifting a finger. It is an amazingly easy way to jump-start your weight-loss goals.”
With all this talk about weight loss and kicking your fitness routine into high gear, another thing to keep in mind is that all of your clothes are no longer going to fit you soon. While it may be really exciting to go out and buy new clothes to show off your new, fabulous figure, it’s out of range in most of our budgets, not to mention time consuming, to buy an entirely new wardrobe. Furthermore, what about your favorite pieces that you just can’t bear to part with? Finding a professional who is adept at clothing alterations is the key; your wardrobe staples can be altered to look amazing no matter what size you are!
“It is bittersweet for my customers to lose weight,” says Nicole Ruskamp, owner of Colea Alterations. “They are happier and healthier, but none of their clothes fit. Almost any garment can be altered to fit. Oftentimes it is much more cost effective to adjust items rather than to buy new ones–especially for well made, good quality items that still have a lot of life in them. Whether you need waists taken in, legs narrowed, or a complete re-structure, we can help. Every body is shaped differently and every manufacturer uses its own techniques for garment construction. A professional fitting is always necessary to ensure that your old garments will fit your new body. At that time we will discuss price and limitations, and we can tell you whether or not you’d be better off getting a new item. Sometimes weight loss means being able to fit into those old favorites in your closet, which can be really exciting. However, these items may need some updating to look current and chic. We are also able to style and modernize dated items to give them new life.”
Resolutions that seek to positively influence our health may not always specifically have to do with fitness or nutrition, and they can be made in response to a myriad of different situations in life.
For smokers who have resolved to quit in 2015 but don’t want to do it in “cold turkey” fashion, electronic cigarettes are a great method of cessation that has been highly effective for many people of all ages, no matter how long they’ve been a smoker. If you’re interested in checking out these options, GNS Vapor can certainly be of assistance. Just stop into any of the three locations across town and the GNS staff will be able to educate you about the products and how to use them to your advantage.
Especially for those who are caregivers of elderly family or friends, making health-related resolutions can be essential to the continued wellbeing of all parties.
“When people think of making New Year’s resolutions they usually think of things that will be a benefit to them, such as losing weight, exercising daily, taking a vacation, or just being healthier,” explains Katie Hammer of The Waterford at College View and Wilderness Hills. “Along with this people usually make the same resolutions every year because they don’t follow through completely. However, as a caregiver you can sometimes get caught up in your work and not take that little bit of time to take care of yourself or even make any resolutions.
Here at The Waterford at Wilderness Hills Memory Care we know the role of a caregiver can be very tiring, emotional, stressful, and much more. It can especially take a toll on those who are a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s and/or Dementia. A healthy lifestyle is a must for a caregiver’s mind, body and spirit. Making resolutions can help maintain this type of lifestyle so you don’t break down and become ill. Here are a few resolutions we offer to caregivers to consider making every year in order to keep a healthy lifestyle so they are able to continue doing their jobs to the best of their abilities.
1. Rest! Take time each day to remove yourself from situations that stress you out and make you tired.
2. Ask for help! Do not feel guilty for asking someone to help you out when you need a little down time.
3. Live a healthy lifestyle! Try exercising every day even if it is just a few minutes, and try to maintain a healthy diet.
4. Take care of your emotional health! Talk with others about your day and how things are going for you. Seek their advice when needed, and enjoy doing hobbies that interest you.
5. See yourself as a hero! Value yourself as a caregiver, and know your work every day brings happiness into your client/resident’s life.
We would like to remind everyone how important it is to take proper care of themselves, especially during the winter months when more illnesses are going around. It doesn’t matter if your job is working in an office, working at a restaurant, a nurse, a teacher, or even a stay at home mom, you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to continue to do the best job you can.”
Aside from being a caregiver, one can also resolve to contribute to positively affecting the health and wellbeing of others in our community in other ways. Donating blood or plasma is one of those ways that we can all help, and there is a great need in our community for both. Biomat USA, Inc., located at 2002 N Street, is one of the places where you can make a plasma donation in the Lincoln area. Biomat is part of the Grifols network of plasma donation centers where people donate plasma that Grifols uses to produce into life-saving medicines.
Plasma contains hundreds of essential proteins and antibodies that are vital in the body’s ability to maintain critical functions, including controlling bleeding and fighting infections. Without enough of any one of these proteins, a person could have or develop a life-threatening illness, such as an immune deficiency, genetic emphysema, hemophilia, rabies or tetanus.
Plasma-protein medicines, made from the plasma of caring donors in our community, are the best way to restore and replace any deficiencies of these critical plasma proteins. Treating just one patient with genetic emphysema for a year requires 900 plasma donations. To create enough medicine for a patient with hemophilia for a single year takes approximately 1,300 plasma donations.
The proteins found in plasma that are extracted and purified into life-saving treatments are unique to the human body. These proteins can’t be synthetically created or replicated in a lab. And considering that many patients depend on plasma-based medications for lifelong treatment of their illnesses, there continues to be a need for committed plasma donors to help treat these patients. That’s why donations are so important and greatly appreciated.
Every step of the process, from plasma collection to the production of plasma-protein medicines, is managed by Grifols, which allows them to safeguard the health and well-being of their donors as well as the safety and quality of the plasma going into these life-changing medications. This is just one of the ways we can all resolve to help save and improve lives in our community in the coming year.
Becoming a Homeowner
This is another resolution that requires many steps from setting the goal to achieving it, and being thoughtful of many different factors that will come into play. The process can, however, be easier to navigate with a little help from experienced professionals.
For those whose goal is to become a homeowner in 2015, it will be essential to assemble a team that includes a mortgage lender on the financial side as well as a good buyer’s agent to find suitable properties and negotiate the terms of the contract once you’ve found “the one.” This way you are well informed and prepared to make the best decisions along the way. The first step in the process is to determine your price range and the financing options that are available to you.
“It is always a good idea to contact a mortgage lender prior to looking at homes,” advises Lisa White of Gateway Mortgage. “This way you can get pre-approved prior to looking at homes, and you know exactly what price range to shop in. However, it is important for a prospective borrower to understand not only what home price they qualify for, but also what monthly payment they are comfortable with and what is included in that monthly payment. When a prospective borrower completes the initial loan application, I take the time to review and discuss his or her overall credit report. I will discuss with them the importance of making payments on time, keeping their monthly debt to a minimum, not opening any new accounts, and continuing to save if need be.
Gateway Mortgage offers a free application process. It is at no cost to the prospective borrower to complete a loan application, and have their credit pulled. I am here to educate the borrower on the different loan programs, down payment requirements, and credit requirements. Gateway Mortgage has access to a program that will assist in improving one’s credit scores and overall credit profile. This is also at no cost to the prospective borrower.”
So if you’ve just resolved that 2015 will be the year you buy a house, now is the time to take the first step towards your goal and visit a Mortgage Lender to see where you are at compared to where you need to be.
Make sure to check out our Buying a Home story in the May issue for a wealth of helpful information from local experts!
No matter what your resolution, there are always local resources available to lead you along the path to success—you just have to know where to look. One of the best parts about living in Lincoln is that there are so many professionals who are using their knowledge and talent daily to help others reach their goals and live their dreams. With a fresh start and a new year ahead, if you haven’t already made your New Year’s resolutions, it’s never too late to set a few goals for 2015!