Top 10 New Year's Resolutions for Figure Skaters
From Jo Ann Schneider Farris,

At the beginning of the New Year, figure skaters should take the time to think about the things in their training that could be improved. This article gives some ideas for New Year's Resolutions for Figure Skaters.

1) Get to the Rink Early
Figure skaters should try to get to the rink at least twenty to thirty minutes before a practice session or lesson begins. Take the time to do off-ice exercises and off-ice jumping before taking the ice. Make sure to use the restroom before skating. Also, don't put skates on at the last minute. Don't be late for a practice session or a lesson. Arrive at the rink dressed properly for figure skating. Make sure your hair is away from your face and that your clothes are appropriate for ice skating.

2) Take Good Care of Your Skates
Figure skates are an ice skater's most important possession. Take good care of your skates. Wear skate guards until you step onto the ice. Make sure the blades are completely dry after a practice session. Take the time to wipe the blades thoroughly and carefully cover the blades with soakers. Don't leave blades inside wet skate guards. Put your skates away neatly in your skate bag after a practice session. Make sure your blades are kept sharp and polish your boots on a regular basis. Be tidy. Keep the area where you take your skates on and off free from clutter.

3) Respect Your Coach
Figure skating coaches have spent years becoming experts in the sport. They work hard and need respect from both skaters and their parents. Be on time for lessons. Listen to what your coach suggests and teaches. Try to practice and improve between each lesson. Trust your coach.

4) Respect Other Skaters
There are many skaters of all ages and levels at an ice rink. Encourage newer and younger skaters. Don't get angry if a skater accidentally gets in your way, but also try to keep out of a skater's way. Keep in mind that a skater doing his or her program has the right of way. Give praise to other skaters when you see improvement in their skating. Don't be jealous of others.

5) Respect and Appreciate Your Parents
Parents pay for children to skate. Sometimes young people forget that. Take the time to thank your parents for giving you skating. Don't get angry with your parents at the rink. Appreciate the fact that they have taken the time to buy you skates, drive you to the rink, and take you to competitions. Appreciate the hours they sit in a cold ice arena watching you skate. Thank your parents for paying for expensive figure skating lessons.

6) Don't Waste Time on the Ice
Think of ice time as "gold." Use every minute on the ice. Don't spend time talking at the rail. Don't ever stand in the middle of the ice chatting. Work hard to improve at something during every practice session. Plan your practice sessions in advance.

7) Don't Skip Practices or Lessons
It is okay to take a week off from skating once in awhile, but it is not okay to miss practices and lessons on a regular basis. Remember that your coach expects you to be at the rink and reserves a lesson time slot just for you. Missing practices too often will mean that you will not improve at figure skating, so be consistent and set a practice and lesson schedule and stick to it.

8) Don't Show Emotion on the Ice
Many skaters cry or get angry when they have a "bad day" on the ice. It is best to not exhibit emotion in public. Skaters should not kick the ice or get angry if they miss a jump or mess up a spin. Skaters should not cry after a bad fall. If you can't control your emotion, it is best to go into a private area in the rink, such as a locker room or restroom. The main thing to remember is to not show emotion in public.

9) Eat Right
Figure skaters must eat right. Eat healthy foods and regular meals. Be aware that your weight can affect your skating. Stay away from too much candy, cookies, chips, and unhealthy snacks. Drink plenty of water.

10) Be an Educated and Well-Rounded Person
Figure skating does take a lot of time, but that does not mean that a skater can't take the time to know about the world. Do your homework on time and don't miss school because of skating. Read. Take part in other hobbies, sports, and interests. Appreciate art and music. Take ballet and dance classes. Be a well-balanced person. Try to not watch too much TV or spend too many hours playing video games. Get enough sleep. Be up to date on current events.