It goes without saying that luck plays a part in comping, and so it's perhaps a good thing - for those of us of a superstitious nature, at least - that the '13' at the end of this year is soon to be replaced with a '14' - potentially a far more friendly number for compers who hold store in these matters!
Here are just some of the resolutions that could help you with comping in the year to come. Do let us know what your own comping resolutions are, and whether they're helping you!
1 - Put in more hours
If you want to write a novel, it will only happen if you find the time to write. If you want to learn how to cook, you'll need to devote some of your hours to cooking.
The likelihood is that your rewards from comping will increase the more time and effort you put in
Of course, with comping there's also an element of luck. As many of us know, you could enter many competitions in a row, but still not win. However, that element of chance is part of the excitement associated with the hobby too - after all, if there wasn't a chance you might lose, it wouldn't really be a competition at all!
That said, if you do indeed put in extra hours with comping, the chances are you will win more prizes.
So if you're going to resolve to do more comping this year, take a good look at the spare time that's available to you, then maximise it.
Don't let yourself make excuses, simply comp! Even the things we most enjoy can sometimes be hard to make time for, but if you make an effort, you'll be able to comp more, spend more time on something you enjoy, and potentially reap prize-shaped rewards.
2 - Stop being a lone comper
You might be very happy if you're currently a lone comper, but it's possible you might like to change your habits, too.
Being in touch with other compers is certainly a great way to learn about the hobby - and could possibly provide you with news of an even greater number of competitions to enter.
Compers News is of course something of a hotline to comping issues and advice, but joining a comping club or even poking your head round the door of our Chatterbox forum, might be just the thing you need to open up the world of comping to you even more.
3 - Spread the word
On the other hand, you might know someone who hasn't really tried comping before, but you know will love it. Resolve to spend some quality time with them, and a copy of Compers News, entering as many comps as you can in a single afternoon.
Bake some treats, put the kettle on, and have a great January catch-up over comping to start the year off well, and also potentially share a wonderful pastime with a new comping recruit! Such sessions might be the perfect way to make yourself enter a larger number of competitions and possibly bring in more prizes.
Plus: In the New Year it's also great to tie your comping to your other resolutions
One great thing about comping is that it can fit in with other resolutions you might have made.
If you're planning to get sporty this year, for example, well, why not make sure you're on the look out for competitions that feature sports clothing or exercise-themed prizes?
Many of us resolve to become more on top of the world of technology when the new year rolls around, meanwhile.
And comping is a great reason for doing this. If you've never given Facebook a go, for example, the comping opportunities it provides might be a wonderful motivation for becoming part of this social network - which can also be great for keeping in touch with friends and family!
