by Marie Antonia Parsons

Created on: December 02, 2009   Last Updated: December 03, 2009

Every New Year many of us make resolutions, goals we hope to accomplish throughout the year. It's a good thing to do; after all, the New year means a new beginning, a clean slate, a way to start again with energy, motivation, and determination. Sometimes these goals are met, sometimes they are not. Sometimes one year is not enough to accomplish that one resolution that really fires the heart.

How can New Year's Resolutions be met?

One Resolution at a Time

Don't make a long list of resolutions. Don't even choose more than two. If at all possible, select one single shining resolution. Lose the pounds, walk miles each day, paint that picture, write that first chapter: whatever we will resolve, we should invest our mental and emotional discipline on just one. Even the best multi-tasker finishes one task at a time.

Prioritize

What if, for example, you want to write that first chapter *and* lose the pounds so badly that neither one takes precedence? What if you have resolved to accomplish more than one goal for so long that youfeel compelled to see both through? The trick there usually is that in attempting to do both, neither is finished. I want to walk two miles each day. But I also have an idea for a novel burning in my brain. I am so torn between smoothing out logistics for both, that I end a month realizing I have gotten no further with either. So I must choose.

This choice does not have to mean ignoring or neglecting one over the other. It should mean that one should be given very specific attention at very times. Perhaps the novel-writing will go better if I see progress on the walking goal. Perhaps I will be more inclined to walk more if I see progress in editing a chapter. Perhaps I can mentally outline the chapter while walking (iPods for the win.)

One resolution has to take precedence, even if it is for a week or a month at a time. Trying to accomplish more than one at a time may be a fruitless, even if an admirable, task. Even multi-taskers.you get the picture.

Use Reminders

Put a calendar on the refrigerator, stick a note on the computer monitor, or send yourself a text or email. At least every two days. It's easy to lose track of time. Life distracts, and, after just one week of not sticking to the goal, the determined momentum, that flame of dedication, can begin to slowly sink into oblivion. A reminder never hurts.

Incorporate the resolution every day

Nothing happens overnight, or in a burst. You want to write that novel, but don't expect to just sit down for

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