I have an acute dislike of the whole New Year's resolution thing. The very thought reeks of failure. How many February conversations about successful New Year's resolutions to you expect you'll have this year?

The truth is, there are no New Year's resolution conversations to be found in February. They're off cavorting with the unicorns the the griffins.

But you have to admit, there is something about the change over to a new year that ever so briefly gives us all hope and makes optimists of all of us. That's the spirit that caught me earlier this month when I decided to make a few tweaks in my life. No, I didn't make any resolutions. Remember, I don't believe in those. I simply made a decision to make a couple of changes for the better.

One of them was this blog. The other was to lose a few pounds.

The blog is what it is. You reading this? I must be sticking with that decision. The weight thing you'll have to take me at my word.

I'm happy to report I'm down about 4 pounds from the time of my decision about 4 weeks ago. That works out to ... wait, let me get my calculator ... a pound a week. Excellent progress.

In 5 years at this rate I'll weigh near zero.

I don't need to lose much. Twenty to twenty-five more would be good enough. If I get on a roll maybe I'll go for thirty, but I won't commit to shedding weight that takes me below the comfort level. I want to be healthy looking. I don't need to look like this guy.

What's this got to do with investing? Simple. And I'm glad you asked:

• I'm saving money on food because I eat less.
• I'll probably live longer at a healthier weight. I'd better plan for a longer retirement
• My health insurance and medical costs should decrease, or not rise as rapidly as they would if I remained overweight
• The costs of leading a less sedentary life will rise. Now that's a good investment if I ever heard one.

There are others to be sure but this is a good enough list for me. I have all the motivation I need to keep up with it. Slow but steady is winning he race . Sounds a lot like my investment philosophy