That’s not a typo - it’s a nod to the simple fact that the once simple annual affirmations of yesteryear (i.e. lose weight, become more financially responsible, tip better, etc.) have morphed into more complicated New Year’s resolutions to counteract an entirely new slew of bad habits setting us back this millennium.

Because people have become so addicted to and dependent upon technology, we’re seeing more of them looking for ways to “power off.” Whether through self-inflicted acts  (i.e. committing Facebook suicide), corporate mandated practices (i.e. implementation of e-mail-free Fridays), or simply because the “no cell phone” zone is quickly growing in many of our cities’ public spaces, we expect 2009 to be a big year for “digital interventions.” 

We’ve seen a shift from wanting “things” to wanting “experiences.” Products can break, go out of style, or can quickly feel obsolete due to the introduction of new and improved versions. The actions and emotions involved with a particular activity, and the stories and memories associated with it, are what people are searching for. In the year ahead, consumers will strive to define themselves by what they do and not by what they acquire.

With rising environmental concerns and a fundamental movement away from decadence and consumption, waste will be seen in the future as the worst of sins.  We’ve already seen a shift in status from material goods to experiences and expect that the seemingly endless array of “newer, better, and different” product options may start to be met with scorn rather than enthusiasm. While “to recycle more” will appear on many resolutions lists next year, we also predict a mass movement towards overall waste reduction and “precycling.”

A locavore (sometimes referred to as “localvore”) is defined as “a person who endeavors to eat only locally produced food.” Supporting the community, the local economy, the environment, and a healthier diet, the locavore movement (much like vegetarianism and veganism before it) is gaining major momentum around the world and will likely pick up quite a few more practitioners in early ’09.

While the act of getting more organized will continue to top New Year’s resolution lists for years to come, a growing number of people are combating lack of organizational abilities with self-inflicted acts of downsizing. Due to a growing affinity for smaller homes and the harsh housing market, urban apartment dwellers and suburbanites alike are opting for smaller-sized furniture. As a response, many retailers are cutting down the length of sofas and the depth of armoires to make furniture that fits into tight spaces. 

We’ve heard rumblings of a “slow commute” trend whereby consumers seek out more time-consuming modes of transportation in order to extend their personal time; why sit in the car when you can clear your head and get exercise by biking to work? Why deal with airport security for a short flight when you can accomplish more work and relaxation taking Amtrak? As “me” time becomes increasingly precious, we expect to see more consumer commuters vow to embrace the “mobile swing shift.”