by Valerie Gawthrop

Created on: November 23, 2009

Before the last chorus of Auld Lang Syne fades, we've started making and breaking our New Year resolutions. How many of these resolutions will be on next year's list? Do you want to move your declarations to a new list of accomplished goals instead? Here are five tips to show you how.

Put it in writing.

Get out your pen and paper or start a new file on the computer. Examine your hopes and desires. Is this resolution something you really want or need? If so, why? What do you need to do achieve this goal? Are there organizations or professionals out there to aid you? How do you find them and what might you expect? Do your research and write down phone numbers and addresses.

Don't go it alone.

Enlist a buddy to go on that diet with you. Join weight watchers. Get active in an online support group. There's one for any problem you're trying to solve. Have your sister come over and help you organize your closets. Tell all your friends that you're going to volunteer for the city's literacy program and then get them involved. Some resolutions require professional help. It isn't safe for an alcoholic to quit drinking on his own without medical supervision, for example. The most effective smoking cessation programs require prescription medications. Get the names of doctors and even rehab centers in your area if necessary.

Set reasonable and specific goals.

Don't resolve to get into a size six. Resolve to lose five pounds before February first. Don't resolve to remodel your house. Resolve to paint your living room and put up new curtains by March. As you accomplish each attainable goal set the bar a little higher. Once you've walked half a mile every day for a week, raise your target to a mile. Go from ten minutes a day on the treadmill to twenty. If your aim is to be debt free, pick the credit card with the highest interest and focus on paying it off by a certain date. When you've done that, move on to the next.

Be kind to yourself.

Don't let a slip force you over the cliff. Before you fall to the death of your resolution catch yourself. Everyone makes mistakes. The true test is getting back on track. Call that support group. Jog your memory about why you made the pledge to begin with.

Reward yourself for the small successes.

Every pound you lose. Every day you go without a cigarette. Every mile you run. Every phone call you make to an estranged relative or friend. These are the small successes that put you one step closer to turning resolutions from wishes into reality. Don't let the achievements go by without notice. Cherish the feeling that you've accomplished something important. Encourage pride in your achievements.

The cynic resolves to not make any resolutions. The optimist believes that working toward a resolution is sometimes as satisfying as accomplishing it.

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