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"Life is what happens to us while we're busy making other plans." -John Lennon

The struggle to realize our annual resolutions get more difficult with each passing New Year. How many years have you pushed back your pledge to quit smoking? How many pounds have you added since your original resolution to lose ten? The problem with these and other DOA resolutions is that they lack resolve. The delusion is success; the expectation is failure.

This New Year comes wrapped with a promise of change. But change won't come to those who wait for it. Change will come to those who go after it. Today, right now, as you read this, you are at a starting point. The only person you're racing is yourself. Your children, your siblings, your parents, and your spouse may be cheerleaders. They may even be obstacles. But this race isn't about them, its about you.

The first four steps are yours to take. They are big. If you take them, the finish line won't seem so far away.

Step 1: FACE YOUR REALITY AND FIND RESOLVE. Without resolve, you can't have resolution. Resolve usually rises in defiance of some harsh reality. You won't find the resolve if you don't face the harsh reality. If your resolution is to lose weight, go look at yourself in the mirror naked. If your resolution is to find a job, send your resume to five people for feedback. If your resolution is to quit smoking, get your lungs x-rayed or ask your kids how they feel about your habit.

Step 2: PLOT YOUR COURSE OF ACTION. Your course of action should be active. Make a list of what can you DO now, tomorrow, next week, and next month that will create a clear path to resolution. Your course will be unique to your needs, how far you have to go and how quickly you want to get there. If you want to lose 100 lbs in the next year, for example, you should consult a doctor. If you want to lose 10 lbs in the next two months, maybe start by controlling your portions.

Step 3: SET REACHABLE, MEASUREABLE GOALS. Don't just set one overarching goal. Set reachable, measureable goals to achieve on your way to the overarching goal. If you want to run a marathon, for example, start with a 5k.

Step 4: ANSWER TO SOMEONE. Don't keep your goals to yourself. Make them known and make your progress transparent. Chart your success on Facebook or Myspace. If that sounds a bit too visible, find at least one point person that you trust and who will not sugar coat your progress. The race may be yours to run, but it helps to have friends to motivate you along the way.

So that's that. Four steps. One finish line. The ground is yours to hit and run!

Learn more about this author, Dustin Newcombe.
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