Well, it’s once again about that time when a lot of us will sit down and make a list of things we hope to accomplish in the coming year.

For most people, resolutions will fall into three main categories. Some people will give up a destructive habit, such as smoking, drinking or overeating. Some people will start a new, positive habit, such as exercising or establishing a more healthful diet. And other people will set a goal, such as saving a certain dollar amount, or fixing up their house.

But what about people who have already given up smoking and drinking, have a healthy diet with regular exercise, and who already manage their money rather well? Some people seem to already have it all together, and seem more inclined to &uot;keep up the good work&uot; instead of finding room for improvement.

For those rare people who are having a tough time coming up with any resolutions for themselves, but feel like they should at least do something for the coming year, I have made a list of suggestions that could apply to almost anybody.

1. Learn how to do something new. There is something to be said for the feeling that accompanies the acquisition of a new skill. Nowhere is this more evident than in the pride of young children who are just learning their alphabet, or how to tie their shoes. Check into the offerings of your local community college, and take one class that sounds interesting. You don’t have to enroll in a two-year program for a bachelor’s degree to learn something new.

2. If you do not have a church home, visit some of the churches in your area until you find one you really like. Ask some of your friends or co-workers (if they don’t mind discussing it) where they go to church, and what the services there are like. If they invite you to come along with them, chances are good that their church is a friendly place that welcomes visitors.

3. Volunteer some of your time. Run errands for the homebound. Read to people with poor sight. Visit a nursing home and talk to some of the people there who are lonely. There are always organizations that are looking for someone to volunteer a few hours every week. The rewards that you can get from volunteering are worth far more than a simple paycheck.

4. Apologize to someone you have wronged. If there is anything weighing heavily on your conscience, stop keeping it to yourself. Apologize, and ask for forgiveness. Despite any possible consequences, you will feel better the sooner you confess.

5. Forgive someone who has wronged you. Willfully holding a grudge is far more destructive to you than it is to someone honestly trying to make amends. It never takes a big person to hate someone. It does take a big person to forgive. Be the big person. Forgive someone who is big enough to come to you to apologize.

6. Conquer, or at least face, one of your fears. If you are deathly afraid of water, learn how to swim. If you are afraid of heights, go rock climbing. Most of the time, our actual fears are much worse than anything that could happen to us if we faced them. Only you can give life to your fears, and only you can take life away from them.

7. Do something completely out of character. If you are one of those people so particular about always being on time, you always arrive 15 minutes early, try being late just once. If you always wear slacks, a button-up shirt and a tie, relax and wear jeans and a T-shirt &045; in public.

8. Reach out for one of your dreams. If you don’t at least try, your dreams will always remain as dreams. You owe it to yourself to at least make an attempt. Stop making excuses about why it can’t be done, and do it!

9. Most importantly, don’t give up on anything. The best things in life don’t come easily. The only time you can ever fail is if you give up.

I wish all of our Tribune readers a prosperous and Happy New Year in 2003.

Dustin Petersen is an Albert Lea resident. His column appears Mondays.