Behold. My gift to the class of 2010.

Enjoy and please share with your friends (and your enemies)

Anyway, I’m sorry things have been quiet over here on Wednesdays. Ye olde Advice Show of splendor has been hibernating. But it misses you. As do I. So, never fear—the Advice Show lives on, and will return shortly-ish. I’ll let you know when you can expect things to fire back up.

In the meantime, keep your questions, comments, and leftover Christmas candy coming my way.

// josh

I wanted to quickly give you three biscuits of knowledge on how to kick 2010 in the FACE!!! (Pardon me—I play a lot of violent video games.)

#1 // DON’T SET RESOLUTIONS…SET GOALS

Research shows that 25% of people who make New Year’s promises give up on their “resolutions” before the end of the first week. WEAK! That means that one in four of you have already broken your resolutions. (You know who you are.) New plan: instead, write a few goals. Think of them as your 2010 to-do list. (Check out tadalist.com for a super-simple tool.) Make your goals very specific, and break those down into smaller, more easily achievable short-term goals. So, maybe you want to lose weight. Great! Now, figure out a specific plan. Maybe you want to cut soft drinks out of your diet, or go to the gym three times a week. Whatever you do, don’t have 5,000 goals…that’s crazy and overwhelming. You’re better off picking one goal and sticking with it than having 36 dozen and giving up on all of them.

Here are some worthy goals to consider:

- Start an exercise program
- Quit smoking
- Eat healthier food
- Get out of debt and stay out of it
- Be more generous with time and money

By the way, only set goals that are important to you; don’t set goals just because your family or friends expect you to.

#2 // GO PUBLIC WITH YOUR GOALS

If you only have yourself to let down—guess what? You’ll do it. All. Day. Long.

Don’t keep your goals secret. Sure, they’re personal, but they shouldn’t be private. Write your goals down. On paper. In pen. (No erasing.) Post them on the fridge, on the bathroom mirror, on your desk at school. Tattoo them on your forearm if you must. Keep them where you can see them—none of this “out of sight, out of mind” nonsense.

Next, tell your friends what you wanna do. Post your goals on your Facebook page. Tweet about ‘em. This way people can ridicule you if you pansy out and don’t accomplish them. Seriously, having the accountability and encouragement of others will go a long way toward helping you achieve your goals.

#3 // REVIEW YOUR GOALS MONTHLY

It’s important to check in and see how you are doing. You can’t work out once a month and expect to get in shape. You can’t shower once a month and expect to keep your friends. Same goes with your goals. It’s a daily thing. Step by step by step until—BOOM—you’ve accomplished it. It’s all about consistency.

If you get off track, don’t just throw up your hands and call the whole thing off. Sometimes we slip up. Let ourselves down. Binge on cupcakes. Don’t worry about it. Really. Figure out what’s working and what’s not. Figure out what needs to change. Then get back to it. Set deadlines. Reward yourself for little milestones (losing ten pounds! going one month–two months, three months–without a smoke!). As long as you keep going in the right direction, you’re doing great. Plus, good news: new habits get easier with time.

That’s it. Happy 2010. And a goat.

// josh

P.S. If you’re on Twitter, hit me up.

Yes, 3:18 p.m.

Don’t be tardy.

// josh

Zach, to recap: you’re not alone in this struggle. More importantly, you’ll never beat this thing on your own. Ask anyone who’s tried and they’ll tell you the same thing: you need accountability, community, and support. Again, check out x3watch.com. (Btw, I’m proud of you for trying to shake the habit. It’s worth the fight.) Carly, tell your friend what she needs to hear. Ask her some deep questions, give her your honest advice, then step aside until she makes her move.

That’s my advice…so, what’s yours? Insert your two cents in the comments section below.

Until next time,

// josh

P.S. Katie, looking sharp. Great to have you on the show. Everyone, if you have an embarrassing childhood photo, keep ‘em coming to josh@heyjosh.com.

And that’s my take; I’d love to hear  yours. What have YOU done to help pull people out of their pity parties? Or maybe you’ve lost a parent and can relate to Rachelle. How did you respond? What can Rachelle learn from your experience?

Keep it real, everybody.

Peace, love, and a turkey,

// josh

P.S. Priscilla, you’re photo wasn’t embarrassing. You look great, honestly. Tanline schmanline. Anyway, thanks for sending it to me; it was great to have you on the show. I hope you find a lovely prom date. The rest of you, send your actually embarrassing childhood photos to josh@heyjosh.com.

So, there it is. Patience, perseverance, and evites are where it’s at when it comes to making friends. At least, I think so. What’s YOUR advice on moving, making new friends, and dealing with difficult roommates? If any of you have tried out earplugs to block out snoring so you can sleep over your roommates ruckus, let Kelsey know how that worked out for ya. Could be a lifesaver.

Until next time,

// josh

P.S. Rachel, thanks for the embarrassing childhood picture; sorry for the bad print job. I hope we can still be friends. The rest of you, send your embarrassing childhood photos to josh@heyjosh.com.

Glad you asked:

I’m guessing you know what’s coming next: that’s right! it’s YOUR turn. What’s your advice for Zacharia and Ashley? How would you (or have you) handled similar situations in your life?

In your face, but on your side,

// josh

P.S. This week’s embarrassing childhood photo definitely takes things to a whole new level. Dig out those photos of you from when you were an infant (or, you know, last week) where you’re trying to smile and it comes off looking more like a grimace on a scared chimpanzee. The world wants to see those pics. Send ‘em to me at josh@heyjosh.com.

So, what’s YOUR take? As wisdom brewed from experience percolates to the surface of your mind, pour it forth! (Sometimes I like to wax poetical on you.) Bottom line: “Broken Heart” and Jonathan aren’t alone in these situations. If you can relate, let ‘em know. Your advice matters, too, ya know.

Until next time,

// josh

P.S. Sarah, it was good of you and your curly childhood mullet to join me in the frame. As always, send your embarrassing childhood photos to josh@heyjosh.com. Keep it real.

And now, my young apprenti (I’ve decided to make “apprenti” the plural form of “apprentice” instead of “apprentices” because, well, I think it sounds cooler), let’s hear YOUR advice for Jess and JD. What are some of the lessons you’ve learned about planning for your future and/or telling the truth even when it hurts?

Until next time,

// josh

P.S. Jaimie, thanks for sharing your toothless childhood smile with me. I found it both heartwarming and humorous. The rest of you…let’s see what you’ve got. Send your embarrassing childhood photos to josh@heyhosh.com.