The biggest thing on everyone's mind right now: What is my New Year's resolution, and how am I going to stick to it? Even those who may eschew the idea of setting yearlong goals are secretly planning for big changes and a better life when the clock hits midnight at the end of each year.

In this edition of This Week in Dearborn, we tackle local ways to conquer big goals to help Dearborn residents meet their resolutions.

1. Lose Weight

It doesn't take statistics to know that weight loss, health and fitness are most likely the No. 1 New Year's resolution of all time. No matter what their physical state, everyone feels they could eat a little better, drink less, lose weight and get more exercise.

For simple and tasty ways to add more vegetables to your diet, we suggest following our 2 Edgy Veggies column, which you'll see on Dearborn Patch every other week (the second one, about meatless substitutes, will be up Jan. 4).

To get in shape, try any number of Dearborn's gyms, such as Fitness USA, Planet Fitness and Bally Total Fitness, all of which offer a multitude of plans and schedules to fit individual needs.

Dearborn residents are also eligible to join the Fairlane Club, which offers classes, a full gym and more. Membership packages are available for individuals, couples or families. Or, try out the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center's gym, pool and fitness center, which are open to residents.

2. Get Rid of Stress

There are better (and healthier) ways to rid yourself of stress than participating in happy hour. Eating better and getting more exercise helps, but there are other methods of stress relief, too.

Yoga is a great way of relieving stress, and Dearborn is fortunate to have the Sattva Yoga Center, which offers daily classes for all levels of yoga practitioners. Rates are available per class or in packages, with discounts for students and seniors.

Another option for stress relief is massage. It's not just for indulgences–massage can be a regular, worthwhile option for better mental and physical health and happiness. Find a local spa or massage center that's right for you but checking out our directory.

3. Save Money

Another great thing to find on our directory: financial help, if being more fiscally responsible is your goal in 2011. Whether you want to switch to a credit union with more personal help, get help on your 2010 taxes or refinance your home, it's always better to act quickly, rather than wait until things get out of control.

Though financial stability is a lifelong achievement, when it comes to making a commitment to attaining an economic goal, now is always the best time to start.

4. Get A Better Job

If moving up in your career (or changing jobs altogether) is your 2011 aspiration, college courses may be the ticket. Dearborn residents are fortunate to have both the University of Michigan-Dearborn and Henry Ford Community College right in town, meaning that making a career move doesn't even require traveling outside city borders.

Whether your hope is to get your first degree, to switch concentrations, or to get a master's degree to move up in your field, there are programs available. UM-Dearborn's winter semester begins Jan. 5, and applications are accepted online until the day before classes start. HFCC reviews applications on a rolling basis.

5. Think Beyond January

The most important step to accomplishing any goal is to remember that January is just one month in the year.

It's easy to stick to it for a few weeks, but you don't want to be facing 2012 making the same resolutions you did this year. No matter what you hope to do this year or who you are, determination is key. Write down your resolution and stick it on your fridge, tell your friends, or post it on Dearborn Patch as a reminder to not give up or forget, even when the calendar his February, March, April…

Happy New Year, and good luck!