by Ms. C. Jones

Created on: December 27, 2008   Last Updated: January 04, 2009

Every year people make New Year's Resolutions. But how many people actually follow through with them and do what they say they are going to do? One percent of the population? If only one percent of the population follows through with their promises to themselves or others then why do we bother to even make them? How can we follow through with them? What is the best way to make realistic resolutions?

As a writer, it is really quite simple. We do it all of the time; we write. We write and think all of the time and this is why we need to write in the first place. Ask yourself a few very profound questions. What do I want? What do I need? Where do I see myself by the end of 2009? Are my goals realistic? How can I realistically accomplish these goals?

We all love to dream. Dreams do play an important role is accomplishing our goals. Dreams give us hope and hope runs eternal. Not only are your dreams important but so are the dreams of your loved ones. To be able to help your loved ones' accomplish their dreams and yours, is an amazing feat. What a great way to bring your family even closer together. It is also a great way to encourage and teach your family members how to reach realistic goals.

Gather the family at the kitchen table and give each member a sheet of paper. Write down two headings. Dreams and Reality. Have each member of the family write ideas under the dreams category and reality category. Under the "dream" category, have everyone write down one dream that they have. It can be as outrageous as they want it to be. For example, marry Brad Pitt or go into outer space. Next, have everyone write down a goal that is a little more realistic, such as buying a new cellular phone. Keep on writing until everyone runs out of ideas. Now, on a separate sheet of paper, write the same headings and place the numbers from 1 to 20 on the left hand side of the page. Have each member of the family prioritize the order of importance of their goals.

Once everyone has prioritized their goals, then comes the important part. Discuss how each person is going to accomplish that goal and how you can help make one another's dreams come true. For example, if mom wants to lose 20 pounds, the children can encourage her to walk with them or go to the park. If everyone in the family wants to go on vacation, discuss where you want to go and how you can save to get there. The best way is to make a chart. For mom, take your measurements and weigh yourself. Set a goal of how many times a week

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