A new year always rings with the promise of a fresh start and new possibilities, but after a few weeks most people forget all about creating something new and exciting in their life and fall back into a rut.

The truth is there is a secret to turning empty words and promises into accomplishments you can celebrate. It is called right action. If it is not the right action customized for who you are and what you really want, it is akin to gritting your teeth and forging ahead on someone else's path. Yes, you'll move forward, but at some point you'll burnout and it'll fall apart because it is not sustainable for you.

So I can hear you screaming, but how do I know for sure if what I say I want is what I really want and if it is right for me? Before you get all frustrated, let me show you how you can bust through all the voices in your head to identify what you really want.

Go somewhere where you can be quiet, alone, and uninterrupted for at least an hour with a journal in hand. Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and take a few slow, deep breaths.

Now, write down the top 3 things you really want to achieve for yourself or have in your life in the next year. They can be personal, business, or a combination of both.

For each of these items answer the following questions:

• What must I do to get it?
• How will I feel when I achieve it?
• What will it mean to achieve it? Or, what will I have in my life as a result of achieving it that I don't have right now?
• How will I feel if I don't achieve it?

Now, read over your answers.

Do you feel inspired by the possibilities? Do you feel the excitement of these goals pulling you forward? Are you as turned on by the actions you'll need to take as you are by the goal itself? Said another way, does the journey appeal to you as much as the destination?

If you answered yes - Congratulations! You are on the right track with goals that align with who you are and you'll be able to take the right action.

If you still have some doubt, spend some time exploring the question: Are these goals something I really want, or are they something someone expects from me, or told me I "should" want? That someone can be society, family, friends, or simply beliefs you have about how things "should" be.

Bottom line is, if it doesn't feel right, it isn't right for you.

Are you going out shopping or on vacation and concerned about the jewelry, cash and other treasures you are leaving at home? Here are a few places where burglars are least likely to look.

Oatmeal Containers.
Put valuables in a zip-top bag and stash them in a box of dry goods such as oatmeal, cereal or powdered detergent. Then store the box on an upper back shelf.

Curtain Rods.
The sides of most curtain rods unscrew, providing a hollow space to stash your valuables. It's not obvious, so it is a great hiding place.

Electrical Outlets.
Invest in a fake electrical outlet that screws into your wall. It will be totally hidden from thieves because it will look just like other outlets. Simply use a screwdriver to open and tip the front forward, revealing a secret compartment where you can place small objects.

Tennis Balls.
Cut a slit in a tennis ball using a razor blade. Squeeze the ball to open. Insert small jewelry or cash, then place among similar items on a shelf.

Stuffed Animals.
Stuffed toys are perfect for larger, flexible things such as passports or important papers. Simply cut a slit along the seam, then fold the papers, slide inside and re-stitch. Place on a high shelf away from children.

Hardcover Books.
Choose an old uninteresting hardcover book and glue all the pages together. Use a craft knife to cut a hollow rectangle out of the middle pages, then glue the pages down to the back, creating a box.

Traveling with a laptop?
Invest in a security cable. Wrap the cable around a stationary object in your hotel room, such as a pipe under the sink, then put through a secure loop and lock it into the computers security slot.

Erase clutter! A cluttered space contributes to anxiety and keeps you from relaxing. To clear it, each day, set a timer for 10 minutes and pick up as much clutter as you can in that time. Soon your living space will be clean and serene. Create a scent sanctuary! Create a restful, Zen-like atmosphere by lighting a scented ylang-ylang candle. A recent study found that subjects exposed to the scent saw their blood pressure drop instantly! Dim the lights. Use softer lighting to produce a relaxing atmosphere. How? Turn off any overhead lights and scatter small, low wattage lamps around your living space. Bring the outside in! Countless studies have proven that simply gazing at greenery can lower blood pressure and even help ease stress. Add some green to your home with a few houseplants or a vase of cut flowers.

The state of the environment is of increasing concern today. Why not mix your own earth-friendly cleansers? Here are a few ways to get started:

Safe all purpose Cleaner! Add 1 cup baking soda to 1 gallon of water to clean appliances, tiles and more! Make Glass Sparkle! Mix 1 Cup each water and rubbing alcohol and add 3 Tbs. of ammonia. Disinfect the bath! Add 1/2 cup chlorine bleach to 1 gallon hot water and wash any hard surface except metal! Gentle Degreaser! Wipe walls with 1/2 cup white vinegar in a gallon of warm water! Don’t forget gloves! Just because its safe for the environment doesn't make it a beauty treatment! Be sure to protect your hands.

Basements can account for 20% - 30% of the heat loss in a house. A “stack” or “chimney” effect is created when cold air enters from the lower portion of the house and warm air is forced through the top portion of the house.

During a visual inspection, it is difficult to fully inspect and determine if any moisture–causing defects exist behind the insulation and finish material.

Batt/Blanket
The two common types of insulation are fiberglass and mineral wool (rock wool), which comes in batts or continuous rolls. Note that the backing paper on batts acts as a vapor barrier and must be placed on the warm side of the wall.

Loose Fill
This insulation can be made from a variety of materials, with texture ranging from fluffy to granular and can be poured or sprayed into place. This type of insulation is not appropriate for below grade applications.

Rigid Foam Board
All board types have a higher insulating value per unit thickness, but the cost is greater. The boards are lightweight and easy to cut, but may be difficult to install in irregular spaces.

• Icynene is sprayed directly onto the surface or poured into enclosed cavities and expands in place and sets in seconds. It acts as both an air and vapor barrier.
• Urethane is a rigid foam containing fluorocarbons and should not be used in enclosed cavities.

In most jurisdictions it is necessary to place a layer of fire resistant material (gypsum board) over any insulation to reduce harmful gases being emitted in the event of a fire. Check with your local building codes and/or fire department.

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How do you handle life’s curveballs?

Frequent Change Rather than shying away from the major changes, you seek them out, taking frequent trips and cultivating hobbies. Why not share some of your spontaneity with your friends? They’ll benefit from your “bring it on” attitude. Gradual Change You know how to roll with the punches, but prefer when change happens incrementally. That way you can get used to new people and situations while staying true to what you really want. The Tried-and-True Steady and centered, you're not always thrilled when fate takes you by surprise, but your strong roots help you weather any ups and downs. So don’t be afraid to step out of you comfort zone. You can handle it!

To be most efficient, your sink, stove and fridge should form a triangle, with 3’-7’ of space between each.

Is your triangle out of whack? Try these quick fixes!

• Make a space next to each area for ingredients. Clear counters, or at a table where you can easily reach it.
• Store supplies where you use them. Keep storage containers where you empty serving bowls!
• If your triangle is too big, keep a tray handy to save multiple trips. Too small? Complete one job at a time to avoid cluttered surfaces.
• Keep your dish drainer on the left of your sink (if your right-handed). You’ll use your dominant hand for washing, so it’ll go faster!

Keep your home temperature comfortable and save energy costs by ensuring that you have the right insulation for your house. The two most common types of insulation are fiberglass and mineral wool (rock wool), which comes in batts or continuous rolls (blankets). Both these materials have an R-Value of approximately 3.0 to 3.8.

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