Wow...2013 already!  This is the time of year when people resolve to lose weight, quit smoking, stop procrastinating, change careers, save money, etc. The average person sticks to these resolutions for about a month, and then they slowly fall back into their old routine. I've found some secrets to not only sticking to your resolution, but making it easier and more fulfilling while doing it.

The first thing is, don't resolve to fix all of your life's issues all at once; chose the things that will make the most positive impact on your life, yet are realistically obtainable. Also, make sure you resolve to make changes that are in your own power. Don't resolve to get married or to make your child an "A" student because these are things you have no control over.

After you have decided what your resolution will be, write it (them) down along with why you've chosen this resolution; why it's important to you. Don't just say, "I want to stop smoking", say, "I want to stop smoking because my grandchild has asthma and I want them to have a healthy environment when they come to visit".  This way your resolution is reinforced through something positive...like love.

Don't put pressure on yourself to be completely finished on New Year's Day, be realistic. Let New Year's be the day you begin your journey to quit smoking and not the day you must quit forever! Cut yourself some slack, forgive yourself, and move on. If your resolution is to lose weight, but you find yourself snacking on the wrong thing, don't dwell on it and just toss the diet out of the window. Forgive yourself and start fresh the following day. If your resolution is something big like writing a book or starting your own business. Write down a plan of action and break your New Year's resolution into 52 New Week's resolutions. At the beginning of each week, give yourself small goals to accomplish that will eventually lead to that large goal.

If you are very serious about your goal and you believe that sticking to your goal is essential to your success; find yourself a coach or an accountability partner. If you have someone that can help you to stay focused and on track, this will definitely keep you motivated. Make sure the person you chose is as passionate about helping you as you are about achieving your goals; also make sure that it's a person that has been successful in obtaining their own goals.  (I am currently offering coaching... contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you are looking for one-time coaching, short-term or long-term coaching).

Whatever you resolve to do for the New Year, make sure it is something that you want to do and not something someone else thinks you should be doing. This is a sure way to fail. Give yourself a fair fight by being prepared and understand what your true desires are and why they are important to you!