If you’re like most Americans, you probably celebrated New Years Eve like a pro. In an effort to inaugurate 2009, I bet you munched on decadent appetizers, eagerly sent text messages to all your friends, lit some illegal fireworks and popped more bottles than T.I. But after the ball dropped, and you woke up with one of those killer hangovers that a two-week supply of Extra Strength Tylenol can’t help, you realize that 2009 isn’t half as cool as it seemed the night before…New Years resolution #1, “I’m never drinking again!”

Many people love the idea of a new year as a chance to start over, pursue a new endeavor, make better choices and to redeem all the bad ones we made in 2008. While there’s nothing wrong with believing that this is the year that you’ll actually follow through on those sky-scraping goals, many of us give up after a few weeks when we start to lose momentum and focus. However, let’s not forget that this is 2009, and we’re lucky enough to live in an era where an abundance of resources, support and information is just a few clicks away.

Because I’m fully aware that the average person’s resolutions aren’t to stop using Splenda, and spend less time under the blow-dryer (some of my personal goals for 2009), I’ve compiled a list of the most popular resolutions accompanied with a few online resources that can help you follow through on your personal commitments. While dedication to new our new goals may waver from month to month, there is no reason why we should abandon our resolutions completely. Happy new year!

Make 2009 the Best Year Yet!

POPULAR NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS

1. Lose Weight.
Whether it’s 10 lbs. or 100, many people hope to improve their diet and exercise plan in the new year. If you’re looking to revise your diet, FoodFit.com offers low fat recipes, and healthy eating tips. If you’re counting calories, an online food journal may help you stay on track FitDay offers a free and relatively simple way to keep tabs on what you’re consuming. Need a place to workout?  Gymticket.com can help you locate a nearby gym.

2. Quit Smoking.
We all know that smoking is a health risk, but quitting can be an uphill battle. Search for advice, or send instant messages to an expert on the subject at Smokefree.gov. Can’t stop cold turkey? Shop for Nicorette products online at CVS/Pharmacy, Walgreens, or even Amazon.com!

3. Quit Drinking.
For tips on how to kick the drinking habit completely, visit  Stopdrinkingadvice.org. If you’re looking for some information on how to drink less, this site (aimed specifically at college students) just might have the tips you need.

4. Save Money.
Considering the current state of our economy, who isn’t keeping a watchful eye over their finances? For free financial software to help keep you organized, check out QuickBooks. Want some cash-saving tips? Check out BusinessWeek’s article,“25 Ways to Save More Each Month.” And for articles on how to get more bang for your buck, check out product reviews and ratings on ConsumerReports.org.

5. Reduce Stress.
We can accumulate stress in our lives from many different places, and there are a wide variety of ways that we can lower stress levels. For tips on understanding and managing stress, check out WebMD.com. For guided meditation techniques, visit HowToMeditate.org. Great news for all you Trident fans out there, you may be able to reduce stress levels with a stick of gum. According to MedicalNewsToday.com, chewing gum can help relieve anxiety!

6. Get Organized.
If your home, apartment, or room is in disarray, check out OrganizedHome.com for advice on how to clean house! Think you might need to get more organized at work? Check out this quiz to see how you score! If you’re one of those people who always seems to be missing something when you show up for class, you might benefit from this ehow article on how to get organized for school.

7. Take a Vacation.
Let’s face it, not even the most motivated people can work non-stop. Everybody wants a chance to recharge and have some fun! Discover new destinations and get inspired by visiting National Geographic Traveler’s website. Once you’ve found the perfect place for a getaway, check Hotwire.com for inexpensive vacation packages. Still not ready to plan a much needed break? Click here for a Forbes article on why taking some time off can be healthy!

8. Help Others.
Helping others can be a great way to meet new people, build self esteem and improve the community around you. Search for volunteer opportunities by logging on to VolunteerMatch.org. Don’t have time to volunteer? Make a donation to your favorite charity at CharityNavigator.org. If you’re anything like me, your room is full of clothes, shoes and accessories you never wear. If this describes your closet, it’s probably time to fill up a big bag and take it over to a Goodwill donation station near you!

9. Learn Something New.
Rock Climbing! Photography! Golf! There are a multitude of new hobbies to acquire! Navigate through them at DiscoverAHobby.com. If you’ve longed to be fluent in a new language, search Word2Word.com for free online courses in everything from Latin to Gaelic!

10. Be More Independent.
There are many ways to define independence and equally, many ways to gain it. Wikihow.com offers some insight on how a young person can become more independent and self-reliant. For tips on how to become more financially independent, visit About.com’s Money in Your 20’s articles. But if you’re lacking motivation and all you want to do is shake your groove thang, check out this music video for Destiny’s Child “Independent Woman.”