The very idea of getting a whole new, clean, unblemished, untarnished, fresh year to work with is really cool. Whoever figured this "gimmick" out, here's to ya!

What a perfect opportunity to hit "Reset." Jettison last year's grudges and resentments. Forget the old year's disappointments, frustrations and mistakes. Carry over only the good stuff. Write out a new plan on clean white paper and have at it. I mean it. Write it out.

Here is a psychological trick: always back your car into its parking place. This way, every time you get started, you are already moving forward.

And make no mistake about it, the name of the game is moving forward. We have all screwed things up in our lives and we all grew up in dysfunctional households. Get over it.

The traumas of the past now have life only as memories and if you let them go, you can move ahead unencumbered. This business is tough enough without dragging any unnecessary baggage with you.

So form a clear picture of what you want this year to look like ... write out a plan of how you plan to pull it off ... and then start taking actions that will move you in that direction. (Hint: if you want different results you must take different actions than you did last year.)

You have the better part of 52 weeks left to work with. What are you going to do with them?

Here is the weekly report on my personal project to lighten up:

Goal: -50  Since 7/27: -16  Total: -16

After two weeks in Costa Rica and the temptations of the season, I am pleased to come out of the holidays several pounds lighter than I was at the end of November.

A growing number of folks have joined me in this audacious venture. I applaud their courage in "going public" and I will start holding their feet to the fire again next week.

Do you have a goal regarding your weight? Do you have the guts to put yourself on record? We all seem to get better results when there is someone or something to hold us accountable.

Mary Jo Beniger -- Goal: -25
Cindy Casady -- Goal: -30
Tom Combs -- Goal: -65
Chris Corrigan -- Goal: -25
Trice Micheals -- Goal: -50
Steve Ulrey --  Goal: -12
Bill Breslo -- Goal: +5

If you are interested in how it's going for us, scroll down to the bottom of the EHC each week and check out the progress. If you could care less, don't!