By: Brittney Gordon

We are now one week into 2012. Are you working on a New Year’s Resolution yet? Every year I join countless Americans in making a resolution. Usually my goals revolve around two main topics: losing weight and saving money. I have had some success—and an equal amount of failure. Luckily I am not alone. According to studies by psychologist Richard Wiseman, 52 percent of resolution makers were confident that they would achieve their goals, yet only 12 percent actually succeeded. According to Wiseman, the difference is in how they went about accomplishing their goals. Those who set defined goals and told their friends and family about it were the most likely to succeed. In addition, Wiseman found that revisiting previous goals was often a recipe for disappointment. Lastly, he concluded that those who make only one resolution fared much better than those with a long list of lofty ideas.

Did you know that ENERGY STAR can help improve your chances of achieving your New Year’s Resolution? The ENERGY STAR website not only gives lots of money-saving resolution ideas, but allows you to make a public pledge to that goal. From pledging to turn off the lights when you leave the room to always looking for the ENERGY STAR when you shop, ENERGY STAR’s easy, everyday resolutions can help you save money on your utility bills and help protect the environment.

And the best part: You can use those savings earned through your new energy-efficient ways to join a gym!

About the author: Brittney Gordon is a member of EPA’s ENERGY STAR program communications team. The Baltimore native has worked for EPA since 2010.

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in Greenversations are those of the author. They do not reflect EPA policy, endorsement, or action, and EPA does not verify the accuracy or science of the contents of the blog.

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