Staff Report

The coming of a new year brings with it a sense of change and renewal for most. As such, many make one or more resolutions they will try to follow throughout the year and beyond. While a large percentage of these are broken in the first few weeks (or days) of the new year, resolutions sometimes lead to lifelong behavior modifications.

Last week L’Observateur asked readers to visit www.lobservateur.com to respond to the question “Following the revelry of New Year’s Eve, many people make new year’s resolutions, with varying degrees of success. Most resolutions can be categorized into different groups. What kind of resolution will you make for 2010?”

It seems money remains a top concern for many in the River Parishes. Almost one-fifth of respondents in general and nearly one-third of those who are making resolutions for 2010 said they will change their spending habits in the new year. An equal number of respondents opted for a less tangible approach to resolution making, saying their plan is to become a better or nicer person in 2010.

A full breakdown of the results follows:

• 17 percent chose “I will change my eating habits to improve health/fitness.”

• 8 percent chose “I will give up one or more of my vices (smoking, drinking, etc.).

• 19 percent chose “I will alter my behavior to become a better/ nicer person.”

• 19 percent chose “I will change my spending habits.”

• 3 percent chose “Other.”

• 33 percent chose “I will not make a resolution.”

Next week’s question: Across the country and around the globe, lists of predictions for 2010 are being compiled by politicians, media outlets and self-proclaimed “psychics.” What is your prediction for 2010?

Visit www.lobservateur.com to vote.