Lose things, keep things and change things. New Year’s resolutions create so much hype at the beginning of each year.

During this time of the year people start to make promises to change things they do not like about themselves.

To accomplish some of these goals people often make sacrifices and invest money in their resolutions.

Some popular New Year’s resolutions trends in the United States involve losing weight, spending more time with family and friends and saving money.

CSUN students are more concerned with things like attending church frequently, staying focused in school, and eating healthier.

The tradition of the New Year’s Resolutions came about in 153 B.C. and’ involved Janus, a mythical king of early Rome who was placed at the head of the calendar.

Roman legend said that Janus could look back on past events and forward to the future. He became the ancient symbol for resolutions and many Romans looked for forgiveness from their enemies and also exchanged gifts before the beginning of each year.

Statistics from the myGoals website expect New Year’s resolutions involving health, fitness and career interest to decrease, while the resolutions involving finance, education and family relationships increase.

Despite financial obligations, 2009 has a new trend of resolutions; not making changes at all.

Shawntel O’Leary, a Deaf Studies major is one of many who decided not to make any changes this year.

‘With 2009 being the designated year for change, I felt it would be a good idea for me not to come up with any guidelines,’ said O’Leary. ‘I would just live life and adapt to any changes this year provides.’

Keshia Jervis, a CSUN senior, said that she did not make any New Year’s resolutions because promises are made to be broken.

‘The beginning of the year should not be the excuse that you use to change something,’ said Jervis. ‘Most of the time many people end up failing to meet resolutions they make for themselves.’

Statistics show that 52 percent of participants were confident in the success of their goals, while only 12 percent actually achieved their goals. People break their New Year’s resolutions because they have so many other things to do.

Although there are people that refuse to make changes, there are still consumers who are interested but cannot easily afford to make resolutions that cost money.

With weight loss as one of the most popular resolutions every year, companies such as Weight Watchers and NutriSystem discount their prices on food so that people can diet properly and save money.

For those who work out, gyms are offering discounts. Bally Total Fitness offers a free guest pass for up to two weeks. Curves offers the first month free followed by 50 percent off monthly memberships. Gold’s Gym offers free enrollment and a 30-day money back guarantee.

For those who have a difficult time sticking with their resolutions, sources from Associated Content recommend that you inform your friends of your plans so you can get the support and confidence you need to finish.

Regardless of the difficulties of keeping, breaking or not making resolutions at all, the best way to handle resolutions is to always remain flexible.