A New Year is here, and as tradition mandates we are challenged to set some New Year's Resolutions.

What kind of bad habit do you want to kick or goal do you want to achieve in 2012?

I don't know about you, but for me keeping the resolutions I make can be very tough. A few pointers I have found for making Resolutions that are easier to keep are as follows:

1. Be specific as possible. For example instead of stating only to spend more time with family, say have a game night once a month with my family or volunteer with my child's school team.
2. Be realistic and achievable. Is it really possible to accomplish the goal? Be sure to make “well-rounded" resolutions.
3. Take large goals and break them into manageable smaller ones. For example, many people want to lose weight. However, instead of setting the goal to lose 50 pounds start with the goal to lose 8 pounds over the next four weeks or even better 2 pounds this week.
4. Concentrate on things that are truly important to you and that you really want to change otherwise you are setting yourself up for failure.
5. Look for the positive.
6. Set goals that balance, strengthen and nurture your mind, spirit and body.

Once you have decided on your resolutions remember you want to be successful and be able to follow-through on your goals. A few tips for doing so are:

1. Stay focused on the goal and exactly what you are trying to do.
2. Involve others to help you. A team approach helps keep you on track.
3. Plan time to reach your goals. If your goal is to exercise 30 minutes a day, you must be willing to set the time aside to do so.
4. Prepare for setbacks. Don't let them discourage you; know that some setbacks are normal.
5. Track your progress and reward yourself for small accomplishments.

So get started this year with a fresh new start. Resolve to make your News Year’s resolutions stick. Keep a positive attitude and you CAN do it one resolution, one day at a time!

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