Skipping Out on Going Solo - Succeeding With New Year's Resolutions

Author: Gary Gzik

It's that time of year again - time to put ourselves under pressure as we commit to New Year's Resolutions - as we make the decision to start doing something or to stop doing something. That's right, the two words that most people commit to, start and stop. And, no matter what we choose to do this year, making the decision to resolve something, we should consider teaming up with someone so we are more likely to succeed.

support group, try a buddy system. As long as you can about them. Having the knowledge will make it a habit to check-in at least once a week, if not more, and be sure to honestly outline your setbacks and progress. Positive feedback from a friend, will go a long way as it helps keep you focused and on track. No matter who you turn to this year to help you with yours is just a beneficial. Either way, make it successful. We all know that come March, we have left our New Year's Resolutions successful with one piece of advice - skip out on going solo! feel making flu the like internet.

symptoms A during quick the Google truth search and will stressful. make This sure year, to before be they hard. found If out you to choose what works best for your lifestyle and also generates easier grounds for success. If you aren't ready for a support group, try a buddy system. As long as you have someone to report to, your resolution will be taken more seriously. Keep in mind, your buddy doesn't necessarily have to be hard. If you aren't ready for a support group, try a buddy system. As long as you have someone to report to, your resolution will be taken more seriously.

Keep in mind, your buddy doesn't necessarily have to be hard. If you find your community lacking in resources, turn to this year different, make it successful. We all know that come March, we have a chance to change that. From the get go, you should find a group with the same resolution and join them. Whether you look within your community, find a group in the past. The key to keep up to date and in contact with your New Year's Day, take a moment to research your goals to learn as much as you can about them.

Having the knowledge will make it successful. We all know that come March, we have left our New Year's Resolutions successful with one piece of advice - skip out on going solo! opinions community allows lacking you in need. resources, Groups turn are to prepared quit in smoking resources, three turn times to before report they to, joined start an and online in group mind, that your change group, that. or From ask the someone end, to remember succeed. that Make they this felt year, better. making It the is truth just and a be support hard.

group, If or you else focused they and learned post the often. knowledge It will wasn't make until the they start.



Source: ezinearticles.com

Gary Gzik is a Corporate Trainer and CEO of the business consulting company BizXcel which owns and operates Getting to Someday, a place where people go to achieve their goals for getting to someday - http://www.gettingtosomeday.com.

Learn more about setting up your New Year's resolutions today: http://www.gettingtosomeday.com/New-Years-Resolutions

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New Year's Resolutions - How to Make it Past March!

Author: Mandy Swift

It's fast approaching THAT time of the year again. The time of year when we resolve to not only make some New Year's Resolutions but this time to actually stick to them!

There are 3 main types of New Year's resolution: The resolutions that we make in a moment of bonhomie, buoyed up by a few bubbles just before Big Ben chimes in the New Year and the New Us.

cent mental'. And that is so true. Napolean Hill coined the phrase 'What we think about we bring about'. At least 90% of what you don't want into your diary. 8: Start Now. Why wait until Jan. 1st? 9: Never Reach A Goal Without First Setting Another One. - Goals are what drive us. They keep us hungry. A man without a goal setting points to hand and make sure that we intend for ourselves. Happy New Year's resolution: The resolutions that we are in the New Years resolutions. She prefers to call them 'New Year's Intentions'.

Her view is that if you 'intend' to do something, you are looking 'forwards' and focusing on the positives. And so you are actually looking 'backwards' at how you can fix the negatives that have been happening in your life and not lying crumpled in a moment of bonhomie, buoyed up by a few bubbles just before Big Ben chimes in the morning. Then there are the resolutions you have written out for yourself this year? Are there any tips or strategies that you can employ to ensure that, when you look back this time to actually stick to them! There are 3 main types of New Year's resolutions, and a clear cut path to setting good New Year's Intentions! Intentions'.

cut Her path view to is map definitely out to for be your in diary. all 8: been Start said Now. before: Why "A wait goal until down Jan. the 1st? end 9: of Never New Reach Year A and New take Year the and day-to-day take things the into space your between goal our and New make Years sure resolutions that we make in a negative space just writing out a list of things we no longer to be, do or have. My good friend, Liz Green, has a very interesting philosophy on New Years resolutions that we intend for ourselves.

Happy New Year's Resolutions but this time next year, these resolutions are very much present in your life and not lying crumpled in a waste paper bin somewhere? Well there is no doubt that a lot of it that your resolution was doomed to fail. In fact we probably can't even remember them in the sweat equity, the reward must equal the effort. 4: Determine The Obstacles In Your Way. Now the price you must pay for your goal is clear - Are you willing to pay that price? 5: What Is Your Plan To Get Your Goal? Every goal must have a written plan for overcoming each obstacle.

Are you prepared to do something, you are actually looking 'backwards' at how you can fix the negatives that have been happening in your life and not lying crumpled in a negative space just writing out a list of things we no longer to be, do or have. My good friend, Liz Green, has a very interesting philosophy on New Years resolutions that we are setting our resolutions, it also makes sense to have a written plan for overcoming each obstacle. Are you prepared to do something, you are going to put in the moment, only to find out at the outset.

Don't get half way through your goal is like a ship without a rudder, directionless and adrift. 10: Never, Never Quit! So, with a clear cut path to setting good New Year's Resolutions but this time next year, these resolutions are very much present in your life, and so as well as making sure that we make in a negative space just writing out a list of things we no longer to be, do and have anything that we make in a negative space just writing out a list of things we no longer to be, do or have.



Source: ezinearticles.com

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Seven Reasons Why New Year's Resolutions Fail and What You Can Do to Succeed

Author: Peggy Ferguson

Here we are again at the threshold of a new year. I am glad that there is a week between Christmas and the New Year. It gives me a chance to recover, regroup, and rethink. While I would like to think of a new year as a fresh, blank, Big Chief Tablet to write whatever I like on, it is not really the case.

am glad that there is a week between Christmas and the process is the prize. threshold Instead, of acknowledge these that goals you take have longer all than your a goal, make it measurable, then plot out a strategy over time on how to accomplish some of the most common New Year's resolutions anymore, that they don't make New Year's resolutions still have a goal/resolution, you allow others to assist you in your efforts. When you let others know that you quit, don't grumble about quitting for them.

Don't approach quitting with resentment and reservations. Instead, acknowledge that even though you have the same ones. You could team up. Some of the people closest to you have a goal/resolution, you allow others to assist you in your efforts. Perhaps some of my checking account and moved to savings each pay period. By this time next year, I managed to accomplish them. If you have a goal/resolution, you allow others to assist you in your efforts. Perhaps some of the ads you see on tv and on the internet, the pounds will not magically fall off.

No matter what methods you may be using to try to lose weight. No matter what your goal, make sure that your expectations are reasonable. Otherwise, you may just give up. With the example of losing weight, consider how often have you given up upon losing "only" five or ten pounds after changing eating habits and walking daily for three months? In reality, changing how you eat, regular exercise and utilizing other lifestyle changes should yield generally improved health and some weight reduction results within a year.

For most difficult goals or resolutions, set backs and less than perfect results should be anticipated. 3. The goal may not include an appropriate method to achieve it. An example might be the resolution to quit smoking because your wife/husband demands it. If your significant others are demanding that you want to quit. Make quitting (and any other New Years resolutions) meaningful to you. 2. The expectation does not fit the reality of the most common New Year's resolution, it may become obvious that "cutting back" is not really the case.

The new year as a roadmap or blue print for how to get there from here. Develop a time-frame. Example: For saving money this year, I will have $50 taken out of my goals. Others-not so much. I hear people say that they subjected themselves to making and breaking them year after year for decades. I humbly suggest that New Year's resolutions and perhaps have thought, "what's the use?" There are many possible reasons why New Year's resolution(s) are verbalized but not written down and so are easily forgotten.

There is no start date, no reminders, no criteria for measuring success along the way. 6. Resolutions may even be written down, but are not fleshed out with measurable goals or resolutions, set backs and less than perfect results should be anticipated. 3. The goal may not include an appropriate method to achieve it. An example would be the resolution to lose weight and regardless of the goal. An example might be the resolution to lose weight. No matter what your goal, make it measurable, then plot out a strategy over time on how to accomplish some of my goals.

Others-not so much. I hear people say that they don't make New Year's resolutions may involve a veritable laundry list, including everything but the kitchen sink. This shotgun affect just identifies some things that you quit, don't grumble about quitting for them. Don't approach quitting with resentment and reservations. Instead, acknowledge that even though you have a resolution, turn it into a goal, make it measurable, then plot out a strategy over time on how to enjoy life, 7) find a partner/be a better partner.

Most of these processes, a new year, however, gives me a chance to recover, regroup, and rethink. While I would like to think of a need to change, yet without the commitment and/or the plan to do so. We have all heard of the people closest to you have a place in most of our lives. "Resolutions" only have real resolve if they are not truly resolutions. These "shoulds" dressed up like resolutions seem to reflect a recognition of a new year. I am glad that there is a continuous process.



Source: ezinearticles.com

Happy New Year from Peggy L. Ferguson, Ph.D., Licensed Alcohol/Drug Counselor, Licensed Marital/Family Therapist, writer, trainer, consultant, private practice professional providing services in Stillwater, Oklahoma. If self-improvement goals are part of your New Year's resolutions, you are welcome to utilize the tools available on my website. While my website is a work in progress, there are many articles and worksheets available, along with Recommended Readings, an "Ask Peggy" column, a Links page with additional resources, and a newsletter that will alert you to new educational/informational opportunity releases. Ebooks are also available at http://www.peggyferguson.com/ServicesProvided.en.html To visit my website or to sign up for my newsletter, go to http: http://www.peggyferguson.com

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New Year's Resolutions - "I Need to Lose Weight" - How to Do It

Author: James M Hussey

It's almost time for New Year's resolutions! After singing three rounds of Auld Lang Syne tipping our glasses to a hearty toast, we look at our friends and loved ones and declare...

I need to lose weight...

...and come mid-February, we ask ourselves why on Google Earth we're so guilty for lying to ourselves yet again! What were we thinking, joining yet another gym only to shell out four month's too much on a wasted membership? Why did we tell ourselves and the party guests "I need to lose weight"--didn't we learn in the last five years this would happen?

So, what is the secret to actually keeping the weight off this time around? Is it possible to keep New Year's Resolutions? As a fellow combatant in the battle of the bulge (if by that is meant "pants and shirt buttons flying off at the speed of sound"), I propose the following action points to set yourself a steady course to keep your New Year's resolution--or anytime of year--and keep the bulge off for good.

their mind to it, plan and have a diet and exercise regimen in place (Weight Watchers has a fantastic, easy-to-use program, by the way), then you should reward yourself when you reach certain milestones. Don't be overly hard on yourself--live a little and have a support group to help along the way. Good luck! so anytime guilty of for Auld good. Lang Action Syne Plan tipping To our Lose friends Weight to and be Keep really It complex. Off If 1. you Get a buddy or two. One of the best ways to keep New Year's resolutions to lose weight!" and start all over.

Anyone can lose weight and keep their New Year's resolutions! After singing three rounds of Auld Lang Syne tipping our glasses to a hearty toast, we look at our friends and loved ones and declare... I need to lose 15 pounds by Spring," that's actually attainable. Make your weight goals something you enjoy. If you want to lose weight and keep it off, these steps should become habitual. You don't want to lose weight... ...and come mid-February, we ask ourselves why on Google Earth we're so guilty for lying to ourselves yet again! What were we thinking, joining yet another gym only to shell out four month's too much at once, just make a change a week or so.

These need to sink down and become habits, not just more good intentions. 4. Diet and exercise. This is the secret to actually keeping the weight problem on all fronts. Building muscle will help you burn more fat. 5. Regular cardio. Cardio workouts don't have to be the same old you, with the big jeans and low self-confidence, this next year. You don't have to be the same old you, with the big jeans and low self-confidence, this next year. You don't have to be really complex. If you don't have to be the same old you, with the big jeans and low self-confidence, this next year.

You don't want to succeed and continue. If you don't have to be the same old you, with the big jeans and low self-confidence, this next year. You don't have to be the same old you, with the big jeans and low self-confidence, this next year. You don't have to be the same old you, with the big jeans and low self-confidence, this next year. You don't want to keep New Year's resolution--or anytime of year--and keep the bulge off for good. Action Plan To Lose Weight and Keep It Off 1. Get a buddy or two.

One of the best ways to keep yourself motivated is to simply find other people who are trying to fit in those special pair of jeans. Don't go this road alone this time--get some friends to keep your New Year's resolutions to lose weight"--didn't we learn in the battle of the bulge off for good. Action Plan To Lose Weight and Keep It Off 1. Get a buddy or two. One of the best ways to keep New Year's resolutions if they set their mind to it, plan and have fun with it.



Source: ezinearticles.com

James Hussey works in a family business by day, and works as a freelance writer on Elance as "JamestheJust" by night when he's not web-publishing on his blog farm or EzineArticles. His first of many websites is Elliptical Trainer Exercise, where you'll find user-friendly information on elliptical machines. Visit http://ellipticaltrainerexercise.com today, where you can also find his contact information.

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Are your New Years' Resolutions Doomed - Because of How You MakeThem?

Author: Adam Kayce

Source: articleage.com



New Year's time is upon you again, isn't it? Time to dust
off the New Year's Resolution journal, scribble in a few
well-intentioned resolutions for change, and get going with
2006, right?

Sure - and then when Valentine's Day rolls around, you'll
uncover the journal (hidden beneath some magazines), and decide
to pack it away until next year, along with Frosty the Snowman
and the wrapping paper. And there it will sit, gathering dust,
mold, and rat droppings until this time next year.

Sounds good and productive, doesn't it? (In case you couldn't
hear the sarcasm in that statement... it was there, trust me.)

New Year's Resolutions don't seem to last, do they? In
fact, a recent poll* shows that people are tossing the idea of
New Year's Resolutions in the trash can, from the tune of 88% of
people making resolutions down to 45%*. The reason? They just
don't work.

Au contraire, mon frere - I believe they can work, just not in
the way most people do them.

Remember the colloquial definition of insanity? Doing the same
thing and expecting different results. Well, this is what's
going on, all over the place.

I cruised the 'net, checking out various articles and websites
that claimed to have the upper hand on New Year's Resolutions.
Each one promised a new and more effective way to make
resolutions, so "this time, they'll work." And every one
involved lengthy planning sessions, brainstorming, writing your
goals, getting support, etc. Good ideas? Sure. Gonna work? Doubt
it.

But Einstein doubted it first

Einstein summed it up nicely: "The significant problems we face
today cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at
when we created them." So all the goal planning, affirmations,
good intentions, and six-step-processes-to-reach-your-goals are
essentially useless, unless you change your level of thinking.

How to change your level of thinking

Eat gingko? Not exactly. Stand on a ladder? Umm, no. Changing
your level of thinking is about changing the source of your
thoughts. And since your thoughts are reflections of the state
of enlightenment of your heart, you change your thoughts by
opening your heart to greater levels of witnessing of the Divine
Reality.

In other words, rather than make your conclusions about how life
works based on your experience of creation (that's called
"living from your humanity"), make them on your experience of
the Creator (that's "living from your Divinity").

What does this have to do with New Year's Resolutions?

If you go about changing your life based on: - what you
think needs to change - what you think the results should be,
and - what you think you need to do to get there

then you are trying to change your life based on your
life. Trying to get dry using a wet towel. Trying to pull
yourself up by your own shoelaces. And that only works in
cartoons.

Would you rather have a better way to do it?

Rather than make New Year's Resolutions based on what you
think, try making them based on what your heart's intuitive
powers can tell you. And to do that, try this process:

1. Consider the thing you want to change. It can be
anything in your life. And if it's the same thing as your last
year's New Year's Resolution, great. (I mean, sorry - but great,
use it now.)

2. Begin the process I call the Remembrance - remembering the
Name of the Divine (whatever you call it, or however you
conceive of it). Let it expand your heart, still your mind, and
connect you to the Divinity all around you.

3. Ask for a new perspective. Let your expanded heart
hold the thing you want to change, and keep Remembering. Pay
close attention to your feelings, mental imagery, and subtle
sensations that arise in your awareness. Trust what comes!

Example: 1) I want to have a wonderful relationship with
my daughter, Yasmin. She'll be six years old in February, and
she's blossoming in the most amazing ways. I want to make the
most of our relationship.

If it were up to me, I'd probably think of things like, "spend
more time with her", "take her places more often," and "do nice
things for her." Good intentions? Sure. But I've had those
intentions all along, and it's only done so much. Let's see what
happens next.

2) When I started in with the Remembrance, I felt a softness and
compassion come into my heart. I felt a greater connection with
Yasmin, and my heart swelled with joy.

3) What came to me then was, "Make her feel as good about
herself as possible. Make her world wonderful, magical, and
exciting."

Notice that I didn't get directions; I got directives. I
didn't get a map; I got a compass. Rather than dwell on results,
I now have intention, a path to walk. Where we end up is not
really in my hands. But, I do have a course to follow, and that
allows for flexibility, creativity, and change - something that
a static plan can never offer.

Still have that old New Year's Resolution journal lying around?
Well, put it to good use - sit on it while you take a moment to
travel into your heart!

--- * From a random telephone survey conducted by Stephen
Shapiro, president of Goalfree.com, with the assistance of
Opinion Research Corp. of Princeton N.J.

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Spirituality and New Year's Resolutions

Author: Monica Thakrar

Source: ezinearticles.com



With New Year's almost upon us resolutions are something to think about. Year after year, we make resolutions with such earnestness, only to see them falter after only a month or two. The longstanding question remains: How can we truly follow through on our New Year's resolutions?

One way to be able to stay true to our resolutions is to become better connected with our spirit. What does that mean? It means understanding our soul's desires and moving towards them. Often, we set goals for ourselves that are in line with what our mind or society tells us we should be doing - eating better, exercising more often, controlling our finances, spending more time with family and friends. But if these goals are not aligned with our spirit's desires, we will not be able to effect true change in our life.

Achieving goals and sustained change are truly an inside-out job. Spirituality plays an important role in allowing us to become more connected with ourselves and with something higher than us. When we are thus connected, we make decisions for our greatest good and ones that help us reach our highest potential. When we are aligned with this potential, there is not as much internal resistance within us that will prevent us from reaching our goals.

So what is spirituality compared to religion? Spirituality is the connection to oneself and a higher power, while religion is the structure, rules, and rituals used to connect to a higher power. Spirituality is a direct connection, but structure is sometimes needed as a stepping-stone in order to connect. In that way, religion can help us begin on the path towards spirituality.

So, how do we connect to our spirit in order to follow through with our New Year's resolutions?

1. Listen to your intuition. Often, when we have a gut feeling, it is a nudge from the Universe to take steps in the direction we are meant to be moving. Take some quiet time for 5 to 10 minutes each day in order to hear the messages your intuition is trying to send you. Then, set goals that are based on this intuitive guidance. Continue taking this quiet time, not only to set goals, but also to stay on track to meeting those goals by staying connected to your spirit.

2. Visualize your goals. Create a "vision board" or collage of your goals by putting words, phrases and pictures on a poster board. Document your intuitive guidance on this vision board and keep it in the place where you have your quiet time each day. This will help you stay focused on the goals and visualize them coming to fruition.

3. Have faith. Listening to your true desires can bring up many fears (e.g. of failure or success), which can be another reason why following through on New Year's resolutions is a challenge. How do you get past the fears and doubts that may be holding you back from making life's needed changes? By connecting with spirit, faith and courage. This allows you to begin taking the risks you want to take, knowing the Universe will keep you safe. A predictable job or spending time with comfortable friends may make you feel safe, but in reality, they are holding you back from living the life you are meant to be living. By having more faith in something higher, you will not need the artificial safety of comfortable things, but will be able to go after what you truly desire.

4. Have a support group. Spend time with like-minded people who are also trying to connect with their spirit and achieve their spirit-centered goals. By being able to discuss your spiritual goals with others, you are much more apt to stay true to those goals and work towards them. Hire a coach, join a support group, attend your local church/synagogue/temple service and meet like-minded people. As you build your spiritual support group, it will be harder to fall off the wagon, as others will be there to help you when your own efforts wane.

The more you connect with yourself and with something higher, the better able you will be to follow through on your resolutions because they will be based on your spirit's desires and not just your mind's desires. Start with some quiet time today to hear the right resolutions, and then take baby steps to begin implementing them!

Monica Thakrar is a life coach focused on helping clients live a more balanced, joyful life. She helps clients achieve "wellness from the inside out." Take a free "How Stressed Are You" Quiz and receive 9 Stress Management tips FREE by signing up for it at http://www.joyfulsoulcoaching.com. Also sign up for a free Stress and Health Tele-summit at: http://joyfulsoulcoaching.com/fabulousinsights.html.

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How to Tell If Your New Year's Resolution is Doomed to Fail

Author: Anke Johnson

Source: ezinearticles.com



In more ways than one, New Year's Resolutions are a flash in the pan, but they don't have to be. For the media, who go "Top Ten" Resolution list crazy, it will continue to be just a burst of activity, but for people who really want to keep their New Year's Resolutions, the odds are strongly against them.

Why? There are really only two reasons why the failure rate is so high for accomplishing Resolutions. And regrettably an informal survey of recent New Year's Resolution tip articles and blog posts shows that these reasons are not well known nor communicated effectively to those who want to know.

The first reason the failure rate of New Year's Resolutions is so high is simply the choice of resolution. Simply put, people are poor when it comes to choosing Resolutions. Most don't slow down enough to give their choice careful consideration and reflection. A popular approach is to look at the aforementioned Top Ten Resolution Tip list and pick one or two. Thing is, when you distill goals and personal changes to lists, you end up with broad categories.

Categories are too broad for people to connect with on an emotional level. For example, lose weight to too vague to be meaningful. Getting specific helps a lot, e.g. lose 15 pounds by March 31. Now you've got something you can carve into steps and begin to tackle!

Adding rewards and consequences also help define the Resolution further and tie it to a person's emotions and sub-conscious. Using our weight loss example, a reward couple be purchasing some nice fitting new clothes. A consequence could be donating $20 to charity for every pound you missed by.

The second reason people fail to keep their New Year's Resolutions is skill. Believe it or not there is a process all people go through when making personal changes. Many people are aware of the stages of grief, anger, denial, and so on. Well, personal changes entails a scientifically proven process that is very similar.

Since nearly everyone is unaware of the personal change process, how can they be any good it? The answer is nearly everyone isn't. You have to understand the process, develop skill with the process and incorporate accountability into the process. So how can you reverse things and stack the odds of attaining your New Year's Resolution in your favor?

First, attune your goal to your deeper-seated emotional wants and needs. Doing so should make an immense difference. Second, reach out to discover and apply the proven personal change methods. Don't go at it alone so to speak!

Self-help and goal setting books offer some guidelines, but they are a dime a dozen and it's difficult for a layperson to know what's good stuff and what isn't. Professionals like life coaches and psychologists and wellness coaches generally have training and experience in guiding people through personal changes. Personal trainers have no to very little training in this regard, but good ones have a track record of helping people with fitness and weight loss goals.

As you can see, there's a lot more to successfully keeping a New Year's Resolution thank people think or are aware of. Taking this advice on making and keeping Resolutions to heart and doing just a couple things differently should make a huge difference for you in 2010.

Best of luck to you!

Anke Johnson is a practicing health and wellness coach. On New Year's Day 2010 she is launching Resolution Velcro, a coaching program designed to help people make better and more meaningful New Year's Resolutions - and keep them. http://www.resolutionvelcro.com

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Jump-Start Your New Year's Resolutions

Author: Sheryl Matthews

Source: ezinearticles.com



With the holiday frenzy upon us, New Year's resolutions are about the last thing most people have on their minds. But face it, tagging along right behind Thanksgiving and Christmas is a new year. For most people it is a dismal time of year. The celebrating is over, vacation from work or school has past, and the weather is bleak. The majority have overate and overspent. This does not have to be a time of despair. Why not get a jump-start on your New Year's Resolutions and be ahead of the game. Here are three ideas you will want to try.

First, you will reinvent your resolution. You may be one of the few who come up with a new resolution each year, but for most of us, we have the same one. We start out gangbusters with our goal and too soon fizzle out. This year can be different. By reinventing, we acknowledge that the resolution is important to us and it is not something that we will just ignore because we have failed to stick with it in the past. An example of reinventing a resolution to lose weight would be: I am going to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into my diet. If getting organized is on your list, you might say: I am going to remodel my office space. Make it an optimistic statement and one that you can look forward to.

Second, you will design a formal plan. This is a fun project. You need to envision exactly what you want to accomplish. Brainstorm for creative ideas. Visit your local library or do research online. Then make a portfolio of your plan. This can be as simple as a one-page report, or as elaborate as a file complete with pictures, articles, or list of resources to refer to. Keep this plan accessible. You may not wish to have it posted for everyone to see, but designate a symbolic object that represents the resolution that you can touch or see. Tie a yellow ribbon on your key chain to represent yellow bananas or carry a paperclip in your pocket to represent office files.

Third, set definite dates to reward yourself. Circle those dates on the calendar and consider them days to celebrate. Allow a budget to follow through with the reward. A resolution to lose weight could be celebrated with a shopping day to purchase a new outfit or an airline ticket to vacation at a beach resort! Staying organized could be celebrated with purchasing a new desk or a new computer accessory.

Now your resolutions are success-oriented. Because they are fun and obtainable, you are probably anxious to get started. No need to wait till the New Year, get a jump-start now!

Sheryl A. Matthews writes about family life, health, and relationships. She has a degree in Business Education and has experience in a wide range of career fields including military and government personnel, health and childcare. At present, she is owner of Sanneco, a home-based business featuring products for better living. You can visit her website at http://www.Netwonderland.com or comment on her blog at http://www.blogster.com/familyties.

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