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Do you try to achieve major goals overnight, or do you make them a reality one small step at a time, one day at a time? In my study of how to make and keep New Year Resolutions - as well as in my career and business - I have discovered that most major projects, goals, dreams, and New Year Resolutions transform from spark of an idea to concrete results over a period months and years, rather than days and weeks (i.e. overnight success). If you want to achieve wonderful dreams, or build new healthy habits to replace old unhealthy habits, typically you have to run a marathon rather than a sprint.

Sometimes, of course, a sprint does work. For instance, when I quit smoking 20 years ago, I stopped cold turkey and never looked back because cigarettes made me feel awful. I had serious allergies that worsened with each puff. Those allergies probably added years to my life because they forced me to eliminate an unhealthy habit. Some folks, however, can't simply stop smoking overnight.

Success often arrives after multiple attempts, along with professional help and other remedies. Kicking the smoking habit often is a marathon. Most of my major dreams like earning college degrees, building a journalism/political career, as well as a small business, were (and continue to be) marathons. I truly enjoy the journey and each time I reach my destination, I strive to go beyond the original, planned end-point.

My primary 2009 resolution to take small daily steps for health and happiness is another good example of running a marathon rather than a sprint. Each day, I make a conscious effort to take small daily steps toward health and happiness. I exercise, work hard to eat healthy food, log long hours on beloved creative projects, and make time for loved ones to name just a few of my priorities.

All of those small steps add up over time like money earning compound interest in the bank. I am not striving for overnight results, or immediate success. Instead, each day I take small steps toward my dreams that pay huge dividends over time. Some days I am incredibly happy to rack up wins and I make a point to celebrate those victories. Other days, I don't live up to my expectations, goals and dreams. Rather than beat myself up, I learn my lessons, vow to do better, and move forward with my head held high.

I recently discovered a Telegraph.Co.UKarticle about research that investigates how long it takes to form a habit that is being reported in the European Journal of Social Psychology.

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