The appeal behind New Year's is not simply that we are beginning anew with different classes, perhaps gaining a new boyfriend or home, or whatever may change for you with the coming of the new year. It seems the main appeal is the chance to change, not simply the prospect of trying something new.

Yesterday, I posted the things I want to accomplish in the new year, from losing weight to watching one hundred new movies by December 31st. These are goals that are restricted to the year itself, to be changed once a new year arrives. My Transformation Challenge, however, centers around ideas that can and will carry me through the rest of my life as I continue to keep and carry them out.

Working out everyday, utilizing both cardio and flexibility training. Employ such exercises as bike riding, yoga, and weight training. Spend at least one hour on the strength and cardio training, as well as an hour daily for yoga.

Stay within (preferably below) a 2800 calorie food pattern, following the My Pyramid Food Tracker daily requirements. Keep a daily food journal to keep track of what is consumed.

Get and keep that there skin clear! Set up a daily regimen to follow morning and night, using both vitamin supplements and a facial wash.

Create a monthly budget and stick to it, there is no point in having a job if you don't have any money. There's also no point in having a savings account if you don't contribute to it.

Slowly but surely introduce the raw diet into my daily living. I probably won't make it to 100% raw (I simply cannot live without my burgers or bacon), but a healthy lifestyle is key. I recently discovered Zen Habits 10 Reasons to Eat Raw and am pretty much convinced.

Ah, so, having established those few guidelines for my life beginning this year, what are some permanent changes you have decided to implement? What about New Year's resolutions that you have set for yourself?