Becoming a better person – and losing some weight.

Those are the most popular New Year resolutions for 2018, according to Marist Poll.

Other resolutions in the top 10 include exercising more, eating healthier, and getting a better job (tied at 9 percent); improving overall health (7 percent),  stop smoking and spend less/save more money (tied at 6 percent).

I’m happy to learn that so many of us want to become better people (aren’t we always striving for that?). At the same time, it’s kind of a vague goal. How, exactly, do you become a better person?

Google popped up a great article on this topic from 2014 by Inc. magazine with 15 tips worth pinning up on the wall.

Losing weight/exercising more is another good resolution if you need to slim down or get in better shape. Making fitness and healthy eating a habit isn’t easy when you’re not used to it, but Edward-Elmhurst Health has people who can help you get on track and stay there.

If you’re just starting a new exercise routine, baby steps are best. Start slow and gradually build on your workout as your body gets fitter.

This year I’m resolving to have more family dinners with my husband and children. Now that my kids are all adults with their own homes, it’s more challenging to find time to get together! But we’re going to do it.

I asked some of our system executives what they were working on this year. Here’s what they said:

“Make sure that 80 percent of what I eat/drink is healthy. (Versus 20 percent over all the holidays!)”
- Joseph Dant, President & CEO, Edward Hospital

“Yoga once a week.”
- Gina Sharp, President & CEO, Linden Oaks Behavioral Health

What are you working on this year?