This year, the NPPA turns 60. It's a different world than when we started in 1946. Photojournalism has changed with the times, and the changes keep on coming. To help you prepare for the next 60 years (or at least the next 11 months) here are some suggested resolutions for photojournalists

Learn a new trick As the industry changes, our ability to adapt will depend on learning new skills. Keep an eye on the next phase of the industry and be ready for it.

Find a project that excites you It is amazing how a little passion for a project brings a renewed sense of purpose to our jobs.

Support Free Press Initiatives The expression, "freedom isn't free," applies to free press too.

Learn your CDB The NPPA's cost of doing business calculator is available online.

Reject bad deals Whether it's a bad freelance contract or a bad job offer, we teach people how to treat us. Accepting bad offers tells people to treat us poorly.

Attend the 2006 NPPA Photojournalism Summit In Tampa Bay, Florida on June 23-25, the Summit will help you with all of the above. Among other things, we will have hands-on workshops, a trade show, a job fair, a shoot-out, and a 60th anniversary life member reunion.

Get to know UPDIG and PLUS The Universal Photographic Digital Imaging Guidelines www.updig.org and the Picture Licensing Universal System www.useplus.com help bring order to digital imaging and licensing.

Remember to care about the people you cover Get your satisfaction from the experience of meeting and photographing the people in your community. Their stories are the essence of our jobs.

Make time for family Don't get so wrapped up in covering the lives of others that your own life passes you by.

Enter the Best of Photojournalism Contest Your support and participation have helped create and grow this contest, which, in its fifth year, is the world's leading digital photojournalism contest.

Contribute to the NPPA Legal Defense Fund It's on your NPPA renewal form. Nobody thinks they will need it until they find themselves in the back of a squad car. This fund helps provide initial legal advice and referrals to anyone who calls with a legal problem.

Remember to Renew and Volunteer After sixty years, the NPPA is better than ever. As always, our strength is in our membership.

Happy New Year and Happy 60th anniversary.