5 Keys to Making and Keeping Your New Year Resolutions.

On By pastorjonathanIn Uncategorized

So the new year is almost here and it is time to think about your resolutions. Your goals may be to finally give up a bad habit, lose a little weight, broaden your intellectual horizon, or even commit to be more generous.  Whatever your resolutions for a new year are, here are a few keys that will help you be successful in making and keeping them.

1. Define the Win. Many people make mistakes of making very general goals and never end up keeping them.  It’s one thing to say, “I want to lose weight” and entirely another thing to say, “I want to lose 50 pounds by Thanksgiving.” Fifty pounds is a defined win.  When you state, “I want to lose weight.” you have defined a direction, but you haven’t defined a measurable goal line. How will you know when you have lost enough? You can always make another goal later.

Here are some abstract goals that have been better defined to understand a win.

I want to read more – I will read 12 books this year (1 book a month)

I want to eat better – I will eat a minimum of 2 vegetables a day

I want to exercise more – I will run 500 miles this year.

I want to be more generous – I will give 15% of my income away this year.

2. Make smaller goals along the way. In football there are two lines that really matter. The official goal-line where all the points are scored and the first-down line where a team advances ten yards and gets 4 more shots at the goal-line.  The smaller goal of the first-down marker is often what really advances the ball and helps teams make it across the bigger goal-line that counts.  Create for yourself smaller goals that you can achieve on a weekly or monthly basis that will help you achieve your bigger goal.  If your goal is to read twelve books a year, that translates into one book a month.  If you want to lose 50 pounds, that’s roughly one pound a week.  Make smaller goals and celebrate when you’ve reached them. celebrating small successes along the way will give you the momentum you need to reach your bigger goal.

3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.  Your goal may be something huge like to quit smoking. Do some research and consult some people or products that are geared to help you. If you want to lose weight, don’t be afraid to consult your doctor and even sign up to meet a trainer at the gym. If you want to read more, ask someone you know who reads a lot and ask them for strategy and tips.

4. Make the goal with a friend or group of friends. If you are trying to lose weight,  get your spouse on board to exercise with you or to make a similar commitment to eat healthier. If you are trying to read a book a month, start a book club. Have a friend meet you at the gym 3 times a week. If you want to write more, start a blog and ask your friends to follow.

5. Evaluate your results. Set an end date and set aside time to evaluate how you did throughout the year towards your goal.  Every goal achieved and not achieved is a chance to learn.  Maybe you only read ten books instead of twelve (odds are that’s about nine more than you might have otherwise). Maybe you only lost 35 pounds (that’s still 35 pounds!).  Maybe you quit working out in February because you got a cold and never went back. Figure out what went wrong and what went right. Take the time to measure how far you have come and challenge yourself with something new for the next year.

What kind of resolutions are you making this year?

251 thoughts on “5 Keys to Making and Keeping Your New Year Resolutions.”

  2. I LOVE the reminder to break up larger goals into smaller, more easily accomplished mini-goals along the way. Feeling that sense of accomplishment is a HUGE motivator!

    Personally, my goal for 2012 is to publish my first book (which is based on my blog). So every time I publish a post on my blog, a smaller goal that is an integral part of the larger goal is accomplished. Love that feeling…

    Thanks so much for this post. Happy 2012 to you and your readers!

    Like

  3. Although I’m not really into resolutions, I think that the first one is the most effective. If you have definite goals, it’s easy to say if you’ve already accomplished it. Happy holidays! 🙂

    Like

  6. This is such a great post! I never thought about breaking my goals down in small parts. I was going to look for last year’s list (I think I kept it!) and see how many I met.
    One goal I really want to attain is to finish my book and get it professionally edited and published – Baby steps – right?

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  8. You mentioned it briefly in #1 & #2, but I think this is something that needs to be included as a larger issue.

    Reward yourself for hitting your goals. Give yourself an incentive to actually reach your goal. For example, I set a goal to lose some weight this past year. I set a goal number, and a goal date. When I reached my goal I let myself go out and buy a bunch of books that I’d been wanting for a while.

    The one thing to remember with this is that you don’t want your reward to contradict your goal. If you want to read more, the reward shouldn’t be that you get to go buy a video game (or something else that will take away from reading time). If you want to lose weight, the reward should not be a dinner at a fancy restaurant.

    A wonderful post with great advice and the perfect time to post it.

    Like

  9. Hedda

    Hi – I really liked this post. As someone on a huge project and who struggles with feeling like my goals are beyond my reach New Years resolutions are a tough one for me. I think taking some of your advice may help me keep perspective and also some of my resolutions!

    Thanks
    Hedda

    Like

  10. “This blog posting is well thought out. Congrats on being chosen for “Freshly Pressed.” Many of the ideas are good, and worth follow through. As a senior’s senior so to speak, there is one main goal that I feel we all need to increase in importance in life, and that is “Learning to love more deeply to all those who surround our lives each day.” In a way it is to prepare us for the doorway of death, that we will all walk thru one day. In this day and age of Facebook, texting rather than calling, I feel we are losing something as humans. It is that touch, that hug, those sincere words spoken sincerely that say in a very important way, “I Love You.”

    Like

  11. threecharms

    Excellent post, thank you. In business, we call these SMART goals – specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely. It’s wonderful to apply to other aspects of life!

    Also, many people tie goal setting to the infamous New Year’s Resolution – which is fine, but can be tough to bounce back after one slips and the “new year” is old news and it’s winter and people are generally unmotivated. Maybe people can start goals in the Spring, when renewals and fresh starts are occurring naturally, compared to an artificial January 1 calendar date. In the Spring, the weather improves, the days are longer, and people might be more likely to stick with it!

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  12. Tip number 1 will be very useful for me. I have quite an extensive list of resolutions for 2012 that, upon reflection, are a little vague (write more, be better with money etc.) so the whole ‘defining athe goal’ angle will help me out a treat.

    Good stuff.

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  13. Excellent tips! Defining your goals makes it a lot easier to keep them, you are right!

    Last year my goal was to quit my weekend job. I managed it, but just barely. Perhaps if I set a more time-lined goal, such as save $X amount each month until I can quit my weekend job in November, it wouldn’t have been so nerve-wracking as to whether or not I could afford to it.

    (Great post! New reader here!)

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  16. I didn’t expect to enjoy my business classes as much as I am and part of it is because of how practical they are. Post like this remind me of why they are valuable. Thanks for sharing!

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  19. I don’t believe in resolutions. They’re cop-outs. When a person truly needs to change, it must come from a deep place within. If not, failure can be expected. You can’t force a habit. Will power will be battled by underlying subconscious beliefs. Nope. I don’t believe in resolutions. A person has to get their heads straight and then seek guidance from within.

    Val
    http://valentinedefrancis.wordpress.com

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  29. I really like this! Haven’t thought about mine yet. Maybe something that is just sooo easy it means early celebration at my amazingness at accomplishing such New Years resolutions so early.
    “wow, you’ve completed yours already?!”
    “yeah, that’s how I roll”
    “oh my god, you’re such a good person”
    hooray (for cheating slightly)

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  30. Pingback: Day 298- New Years Resolution « allspunout365

  31. Right on. my history goes by farther and deeper into the sin. But similar are we. Thanks for your testimony. Good tips on resolutions.

    I will follow you, maybe you would consider follow me. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year my friend….

    Kevin

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  33. I was so excited about christmas, I forgot to make my new year’s resolution for 2012. I’ve always made a list but never stick to them, now I can get that started with a much clearier perspective on my goals.

    Happy holidays!

    Like

  34. Glenn

    my healthier eating resolutions can end up crashing around superbowl parties, holidays, happy hours, but I’m trying to be more concious about consuming stuff in a more sustainable way, like carrying my beer back from the store in a reusable bag

    Like

  35. Red Toenails

    Keep it simple stupid. That’s one of my mottos. When I try to think to grand or big, I mess up, totally. So I set smaller more attainable goals. I’m not so overwhelmed then. Thanks for your tips.

    Like

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  38. I have made and forgotten so many resolutions in the past, and I think most of the failures were due to my goals being either non-existent or far too vague.

    Two of my goals this year are losing 80 pounds and completing a Tough Mudder event. I have created my blog to give me company along the way, and I’m completing the race with my brother and a friend.

    I agree completely with what you’ve said here, and I think I’ll finally be successful because for the first time all of the points are clearly being met.

    Great post!

    Like

  39. A good reminder of how to set goals and increase the chance of reaching them. I like your examples, too – it makes the exercise so much easier to relate to! I don’t usually create resolutions according to the calendar, I just create them as I go along, when it suddenly occurs to me that I want to do something more than I am doing. So, your tips will help me all year long! 🙂

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  40. calciumsulfate

    Thanks for this post! I was just making my resolutions a moment ago – this will keep me up on task! Merry Xmas!

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  43. I was just thinking about my new year’s resolutions. I’ve never been able to stick to them – quite possibly for the exact reasons you mentioned. I think this year will be different. Thanks for the tips!

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  46. Thanks for the reminder that we are very close to the start of new year and once again there’s a hope of starting afresh, getting rid of the bad things existing and bringing in more goodness and positive things in life. Anyways! the tips are fantastic…

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  54. I especially agree with the football analogy; smaller goals help to satisfy the larger ones. I have some goals of my own I need to create smaller, substantial targets for to achieve them. Blogs like this help with that. Thanks!

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  55. alannaonline

    This was interesting. I’ve done it countless times. I’ll try and implement these tips but i find that even with the best intentions in the world, other people’s stupidity scuppers my resolve. So I write lists on my blog except their lists to people on how to stop being so annoying lol. Merry Christmas.

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  58. #2 is probably the best one out there. People make huge goals! The prime example is weight loss, where they want to lose 50lbs. I say set some small goals, and make a new goal every time you achieve that small goal. It helps prevent becoming discouraged when you plateau for a bit!

    Great post though, hopefully enough people use your ideas!

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  59. Pingback: Five Keys to Making and Keeping Your New Year Resolutions according to Jonathon « Staywellfireyourdoctor's Blog

  60. I totally agree with your tips, I have followed every one of them in making my goals, my year of the detox blog and everything that surrounds it. I have made my plan very clear and taken tests so I can define my success not just by the way I feel but also by the way my body functions. Cheers!

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  62. Great tips. I especially like the tip of giving measurable goals with a clear win. I haven’t made all my resolutions yet but I’ll take this advice into account. Thanks.

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  63. I like the list. Its a great start!

    Something I always try to remember when trying to lock in your new goals….

    1) see things the way they are – This is where we get real about what it is we are focusing on. Its important to NOT focus or make this stage WORSE than it really is. Often people get into a “poor me” state, and they think it is way worse than it really is. For example, I weigh about 15 lbs more than I really want to. So I could over generalize and say that I am obese, or that I am a fat slob. Others would probably not consider me to be either, so why should I? If its motivating you for change that is fine, but we are in the process of making our goals, so we need to get real with what point we are starting from!

    2) See things BETTER than they are – In my example I would see myself as being 15 lbs lighter. You touched on this when you spoke about being specific. Instead of saying “i would like to lose some weight.”, say “I see myself 15 lbs lighter”. Its also fun to create really fun exciting names for ourselves here. If I was a woman, would I reach my goal faster if it was “to lose some weight”. Or if I wanted “to become a sexy supermodel”. Or, maybe to “be the mother of the year”. Its important to allow ourselves in our goals to be able to change the approach if its not working.

    3) the next step is to MAKE IT HOW YOU SEE IT! – For many people they define what this step looks like to them. For example, I wanted to lose 15 lbs. I may have gone a step further and decided that I need to go to the gym every single day until I lose all 15 lbs. Which is great if you LOVE going to the gym. I don’t!! SO, realistically I will NOT go to the gym enough to lose my 15 lbs. But if my goal had turned into simply “go to the gym and lose 15 lbs” I would NOT reach my goal. I just hate the gym enough that I would rather keep the 15 lbs. But, since I decided I was going to be a “physically fit athlete” I can do that any number of ways. I can go to the gym, and if (when) I find that I hate it, I can change it up and just go running every day. If I don’t like that, then I can find another activity that I like doing, that will still move me closer to the goal.

    As long as our vision of what we want to become is so strong in our head, we will see it that way, and will not accept it any other way. This new vision can be so strong that it actually pulls us towards it.

    Sorry this is so long. If you read this far through my comment I appreciate it. Now I gotta go get rid of this 15 lbs I guess!

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  66. Pingback: 5 Keys to Making and Keeping Your New Year Resolutions. « Why Hello (:

  67. Live life completely everyday..have max fun..laugh out max..tomorrow is a bonus..today is reality..this is all I want to do in 2012..like I have all these years..

    Cheers
    Av

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  68. Very useful post. I (like many people) am working on my resolutions on the time off between Christmas and New Year and am collecting good advice on setting and keeping them.

    Your post will go to the top of the list.

    Like

  69. First…way to go on being Freshly Pressed! (i think its a big deal) Second…AWESOME…I think a lot of people set “resolutions” just because a new year is approaching and it gives them something to say they want to do. These are some tips that can help ensure these resolutions are not only attainable but more than one weeks worth of effort is put forth.

    In my own mind setting a resolutions is a little overrated, so I set my random goals at random times……….BUT…I will share this with those that are planning on setting out to make anew this coming year…!!

    Thanks for such a wonderful post! =]

    Like

  71. skseema

    I am too one of those who make a new year resolution but never keep it. I am just so tired of my “nail biting” habit and I just want to leave it. Guess your ideas are going to help and I am sure going to give it a try:-)

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  73. I goal-set every year. I’m always overly ambitious and have ridiculous expectations, but having direction and focus is invaluable and helps be become a better person [hopefully] year-by-year, day-by-day.

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  74. Now, this is my third or fouth time coming back to this post… it is proving useful as I put my goals and plans together for the new year… thank you for sharing. Here is a quote from one of my favorite blogs that is helping me plan. “The trouble with not having a goal is that you can spend your life running up and down the field and never score’ Bill Copeland (from a Michail Hyatt post). Blessings on The Hill House.

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  76. Great post! I have fun deciding what is important to me this year and comparing it to last year! It’s amazing when you look at what you thought was important even 1 or 2 years ago. Have a great 2012 and I look forward to more of your posts

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  77. hahaha i love this post. i am reminded of what my former boss used to constantly drill to us. SMART goals.. all the time. He would tell us over and over again when we were making our work plans. be SMART. always SMART.

    Strategic. Measurable. Accountable. Realistic.Timely.

    Parts of your advice fits this mold. My boss would have loved you.

    Good luck with your resolutions!

    Like

  79. That is actually a really helpful list! especially your first point about quantifying goals and not leaving them all vague and general.

    I love the tradition of making New Year’s resolutions… I’ve always spent half the night writing in my journal on the last day of the year. I also enjoy reflecting on what I’ve done in the last 12 months… It’s a really special festival I think 🙂

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  82. madmonq

    Ah. Resolutions to keep my resolutions. Preparation to micromanage my life before I make the decisions. Sounds like a bad beginning to a potentially good year. No thank you but thank you

    Like

  84. Great post.

    I liked that you gave examples and elaborate just enough, not more nor less.

    I defiantly will take those advise under consideration while writing my new year resolutions

    Happy Holidays

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  86. One thought that I forgot to share. Our bodies are temples of the Lord. Failing to excercise proper self- discipline in keeping our eating habits under control, and our weights at a healthy range is a sign of poor self-disciple in representing our Lord to others. How can one be true in representing the Lord, when they cannot keep their forks from constant movement to their mouths. As Fathers, how are we to expect our children to look to us as examples when we ourselves are poor examples in our eating habits and appearance. Sadly, many do the “Talk, but fail at the Walk in leading by example to others,” including their own loved ones in their immediate families.

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  93. emiklio

    My resolution this year is to be more honest with myself, and with other people. I’m going to try out saying the truth all the time, without worrying about the consequences.

    I guess I can make it more specific by saying: I’m going to challenge myself to tell a difficult truth once every day.

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  97. Glory to God that you found Jesus Christ during a time in your life when you were at rock bottom. The Holy Spirit surrounds those who seek…even if it takes a good minute.

    My No 1 Resolution: Continue to shine my light in spite of.

    My No 2 Resolution: Precisely define a strategic process in which I suppress and evenually cancel verbal abuse and diplomatically and automatically conquer racist attitudes without the perpetrator being aware that I have been affected.

    My No 3 Resolution: Give, give and give more…being there for my daughter during whenever and whatever, and testifying to her and to whomever of God’s love and abundance!!!

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  98. Great ideas! I should try some of these tips. I usually don’t make new year’s resolutions on January 1, but rather around September (for the Jewish New Year). But I went off the path a little, so here are my resolutions for 2012:
    1) Write more: Strive to complete the book I’m writing this year. Write at least 10 pages per month.
    2) Practice more guitar: Learn to play at least 12 new songs in their entirety, one per month.
    3) Exercise more: No need to lose weight, but just to get in shape. A 30-45 minute power walk once a week.
    4) Makes zines: Write and publish four new issues of Purple Myrtle Squeegy, one per season.

    Like

  100. I second what Jess said; Thanks for this post, it’s very important to me because I’m starting my walk of Trusting God…

    Although Christmas is coming to an end, hope you you have a great week ahead and a Blessed New Year ahead 🙂

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  104. I was just writing about resolutions in my personal diary, and this is exactly what I was thinking of. After all these years of not being able to keep resolutions, I have also learned that settng a quantifiable goal is much wiser and has a higher chance me actually getting completed.
    I read this quote somewher, which might just tell you the main idea me your post: If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it.

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  110. I think this is a really good list to keep in mind when we’re making New Year’s resolutions. I particularly like the point about making small goals, that’s a really good way to make big goals more achievable.

    Good job, I’ll definitely come back. Happy Christmas! 🙂

    Like

  111. If I were to add a number 6, it might be – to be ready for roadblocks and/or lapses – make sure you’ve got a plan in place to help you get back on the horse should anything knock you off.
    Great post!

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  112. you know what? These are really good ideas!!!! And now I am gonna make a goal to run 500 miles this year….or somewhere around that. probably slightly less cause thats ALOT!!!!!!!!!!! 🙂 hey gotta start small right???

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  114. This is great instruction. I agree totally with the idea of setting manageable defined goals and then sticking to the schedule to reach each goal one at a time.

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  116. Shibe

    I dont know.. every resolution is like fooling our self… we w8 for the New year and make resolution and we forget in Feb end.. and the anxiety and worry goes on for not being able to be a better man or a failure in pursuing dreams 🙂 .. some w8 for another year, some give up and get on to new things… i think its best to take things at a time.. enjoy life.. keep the intention on. And when you talk about the discipline along with it, what else can be better than the Nike way – Just do it.
    Let’s face it, you can’t beat yourself, you cant win the war against you and @ the same time if you want something real bad, you will go as far it can take you
    For me.. its a resolution holiday year :). But i will learn to play basic drums and I will do sky diving too, in near future.. :))

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  118. Kimi

    Hey, I think you’re making some really good points here. But my resolution this year is: doing something about my addictive personality. I don’t know how to get help for my condition (point #3) and I’m not sure whether I’m ready to disclose this to family and friends (point #4). I’m sure they’d be happy to help, but I’m just so ashamed.

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  122. I love the way you’ve detailed the goal setting…….makes it more achievable. I’ve actually gone away from the idea of “resolutions” and for the last couple of years have chosen a “theme” instead. I normally “make” my friends do it too – it’s becoming big. So this year I’ve outlined the “rules” here, and opened it up a bit. Comments welcome….http://onewordoneyear.wordpress.com/

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  125. mkmercurio

    I agree that when you make your goals public they come alive! Last year I resolved to Post-A-Day on my blog and with a few exceptions I did it. This year I am offering a No Comfort Zone -2012 Challenge and encourage others to step out of their comfort zone on a weekly basis and blog about it. That’s putting yourself out there in a million ways!

    Great post and wonderful suggestions!

    http://mkmercurio.wordpress.com/

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  127. Great tips! I want to make my resolutions work this year. I want to finish my novel (like all writers) and write more (ahem..like all writers) thinking of trying to get a few NYC based bloggers to do it with me!

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  134. thanks we can always use words of wisdom…on New Years Eve write a letter to yourself and mail it, with all of your goals you want to achieve in the coming year.
    we did this as a group at our church..it works.

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  140. Small Town Diva

    Love the tips. I always put to much on myself at the beginning of each year and can never follow through. Thanks for the tips.

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  142. Yes, I definitely agree with your tips. I’m employing the “mini goals” tactic this year and promising that I’ll make regular reviews of my progress: given that I usually make a mixture of abstract and definite Resolutions each year (e.g. complete X project by [date], or be a more cultured person) I think that’s the best way to improve the odds.
    Best of luck with your own resolutions for 2012!

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  143. ManicPlanet

    My resolution is to live without goals by staying present in the moment and making choices based on what I find there.

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  144. I had stopped making new year resolutions because I had never kept them. This year I may make one or two, and use your advice, especially defining the win, seeking help and sharing with friends. Happy new year!

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  145. Thank you. These are so simple they’re actually useful. My main resolution for 2012 will be to do less, better. So now I have to think about what stays and what goes, and why.

    Dom

    PS I like the fact the world has a preacher man in Versace glasses out there.

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  150. I love this post, it truely makes me think about what matters for my New Years Resolution and how I can make them better. I love how you explained to be specific and not vague in each goal and to Congratulate yourself on whatever progress you did. I will definitely be using these tips when I make my New Years Resolution. Please read my blogs and leave a comment expressing whether or not you liked it, I would highly appreciate it. Thank You!

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  161. Desiree Mahr

    In my opinion, the first and second tips are the most important concepts to keep in mind when making and working toward your resolutions. Thanks for sharing the rest of your tips! I’ll surely be thinking of them as 2012 passes by and I stick to my own goals for the year:

    1. Train and register for at least four races.
    2. Make at least two international trips.
    3. Master conversational Tagalog (national language of the Philippines) at the intermediate level.
    4. Create and follow a regular posting schedule for my blog in which I post new content once or twice per week.
    5. Read the 26 books on my reading list (http://desireemahr.wordpress.com/26-books/)

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  168. It must be fate – I was just this morning considering my possible resolutions for 2012. I’m a bit discouraged this year, however, as I have never truly managed to keep one. Thanks for the post, and here’s to hoping for a more successful 2012!

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  169. Joe Labriola

    That’s a very nice breakdown of how to progress. I guess at the most basic level you really have to just accept and then embrace change. It’s the way of progress, the way of all.

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  173. I enjoyed your article! As I tend to be a visual person I also create my vision board collages and place them in prominent areas in my home. Last year, my biggest goal was to clean out my clutter. I wrote down the goal and then I created my vision board. This past summer my family came to visit and helped me to fulfil my goal. Remember: Wishing and hoping is one thing – taking action is something altogether different!

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  174. Looks like God is wanting to equip His people for the battle to overcome those things in our lives that are holding us back and keeping us from His best! Great post, He gave me similar outline on my very similar post this week also. I love how He confirms Truth to us through so many different avenues. Blessings!

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  178. This post is an excellent reminder of what it means to make a resolution that will stick. I know that I’ve made a resolution every year and something always seems to get in the way. So thank you for these reminders and I shall make sure the keep these tips in mind!

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  181. Great suggestions! I am a firm believer of setting attainable, measurable goals and having someone as an accountability partner. My husband and I started running last year until I injured my hip. I want to set a goal of running again twice a week, but I realize I probably have to start with walking.

    Also, I manage three blogs. I have a goal of posting at least one thing a day on one of the three blogs. And, in order to promote my book that is coming out early in 2012, I am trying to visit at least one other blog per day (like yours) to leave comments.
    Blessings,
    Delana
    http://nineyearpregnancy.wordpress.com
    http://delanasworld.wordpress.com
    http://theeducationcafe.wordpress.com

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  183. Love this! My favorite tip is the comparison of the first down line to the actual goal line. Breaking up larger goals into smaller parts makes achieving the main goal more manageable and sets us for success.

    Thanks so much for sharing, & congrats on being Freshly Pressed!

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  188. moragandme

    I love tip #1. I have been trying to set clearly defined, measurable goals for myself lately and it seems to be working a lot better than my old wishy-washy ways. I’ve managed to stay on the wagon far longer than I would have otherwise. I find writing my goals down and tracking my progress every day really helps, too.

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  189. Reblogged this on the Squished Diorama and commented:
    Every year I’m writing down my resolutions. What I noticed every year is that there is always something about weight, something about healthy, and something about a cause that I want to pick up, and carry on my back.

    This year, you’ll see me doing all the old things as well, but I want to get through my reading list. A friend of mine had a goal of reading last year, and I was very jealous and proud when she announced her goal to read 52 books in 52 weeks.

    I’m not talking about these little kid books either. I don’t know if I’m going to put a number on it, but maybe i will, so that I can keep the dream alive. More reading more studying; more learning about wtf is going on.

    This year i’m getting more political.
    [more blogging will be an added result] .. to be continued.

    Like

  190. xandrepress

    I love that you say “define the win”. It is so much better to start with the right mind set when we are trying to reach a goal. Looking at a goal as a win rather than a task is a wonderful perspective!

    Like

  193. Pingback: oh sweet friday «

  198. Pingback: Happy New Year! « Eclectic Sea

  200. Pingback: Goals for 2012 « Days in Orange

  201. Pingback: ‘Going with the Tao’ in 2012. « Just the Messenger.

  202. TheChronicR

    Great list. I think it is very correct and if you really want to attain your goals, you should follow at least 2-3 of those points.

    Like

  203. Pingback: resolutions? eek! | me and louise

  205. I’m encouraging visitors to my blog to write their resolutions in the form of haiku (haiku-lutions). I think writing down your resolution is an important step towards accomplishing it.
    Thank you for these ideas!

    Like

  207. EcKELectic

    These tips are key; good advice. Unfortunately, most people do not follow them, and I’m not very pro-resolution, but I do have respect for the people who commit to making a change past the winter months. For a pessimistic take on resolutions, you can check out my blog eckelectic.wordpress.com

    Like

  208. songsungpink

    I completely agree with these tips! I don’t believe in long-term resolutions, because they so often lead to failure. But if you break things down to small enough goals, anything is possible. I shared a few of my own thoughts on resolutions: songsungpink.wordpress.com

    Happy New Year everyone!

    Like

  209. Great post! As an entrepreneur I’m making strides this year to build my company, brand and client base. Here’s to a great 2012! Congrats on Freshly Pressed!

    Like

  210. illreviews

    Good ideas…

    By the way, I am new to wordpress and would sincerely appreciate any assistance you could contribute by simply visiting my blog and taking some time to read what I have to say.
    Thank you.
    My Blog:
    http://illreviews.wordpress.com/

    Hope everyone has a great 2012!

    Like

  212. Pingback: Excellent New Year’s Resolution…. « Literature World

  214. Hej from Sweden,
    It’s so easy to say what you would like your New Year’s resolutions to be and another to realize them. I have had hit and miss success with mine throughout the years. This year I hope to be different. Thanks so much for your outline on how to realize you chosen resolutions.

    Trashknight, I am right with you; I am also an entrepreneur and this year will be building my company, brand and client base. Very much luck to you!!!

    Thank you again for this post!

    http;//gullringstorpgoatsblog.wordpress.com

    Like

  215. Happy new year, all. 😀
    I am so excited with this article. So, may I translate this article into my language and I post it at a forum (KASKUS, this is Indonesian Forum) ?

    Thank you. 🙂

    Like

  216. WordsFallFromMyEyes

    This was very practical, and very true. You’ve really made sense of it. The way you defined the goals was perfect & had me rethink. thank you – a great post 🙂

    Like

  218. Pingback: A Resolution «

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  225. Great tips! I just blogged about this topic. I’m not much into making resolutions but if I were to pick the most effective way of keeping one, I would have to choose numero uno. Planning is definitely a major key to keeping your resolutions.

    Like

  226. James Betts

    Good advice, despite my reservations about the notion of New Year’s Resolutions.

    Still good advice for any personal goals though.

    Like

  228. Pingback: I Never Keep My New Year Resolutions « chilledsoda

  229. Great post. I rarely find people who, in December, say they kept their resolution all year, or who can honestly say they succeeded in conquering their goal. I think these tips are helpful and am going to use them myself. I’ve never made resolutions before this year but think with your tips, I’ll be able to succeed. Thank you.

    Like

  230. Pingback: I’ve Made One, Now I Have To Keep It | Will You Just Listen

  235. alivingoddity

    Excellent post, John. Tips one and two seem to be the hardest for a lot of people. It’s definitely best to start off small and make your way to accomplishing more complex goals. Losing 30 lbs is a realistic goal, but only after you make baby steps and accomplish smaller goals along the way.

    Good luck to everybody, have a happy 2012!

    Like

  237. Pingback: Resolutions | Musings of Heatherly.B

  239. Wonderful tips! I stopped making resolutions a few years ago but picked it up again this year. I think everyday is YOUR day and we all can reach our goals one step at a time!

    Cheers and happy New Year~!

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  240. Pingback: New Year’s Resolution #1 – Blogging Consistently | TheShowMeCajun

  242. Pingback: Goals. Part 1: Those pesky finances « makingthetrek

  243. Awesome post this is. I haven’t made any resolutions this year and thought it was a waste of time just because i would not keep them up. But after reading this, I have changed my mind.

    Like

  246. Pingback: Definite Resolutions for 2012 « Blurred Specks

  249. Pingback: i resolve to… | the frayed momma

  250. Pingback: Tocăniţă internautică (9) « Şiraguri de gânduri

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