7 Ways to Make New Year's Resolutions That Stick
by Marcia Garcia

New Year's resolutions have a tendency to be made with enthusiasm and determination. Unfortunately, very often they're forgotten by the time February rolls around. Here are 7 simple ways to make New Year's resolutions that stick and help you accomplish your goals.

1. THINK SHORT TERM. For most people, making a resolution for the entire year is way too difficult. Instead, make your resolutions once per month; January resolutions, February resolutions, etc. They're much easier to achieve and the accomplishments can be celebrated sooner. Plus, if you don't quite reach what you want to accomplish in any given month, you can simply move that resolution into the next month--no more feeling so guilty that you have to wait an entire year to start over again!

2. FOCUS ON A FEW. It's nearly impossible to do everything you've always wanted to do in a short period of time. To be sure you don't forget about the goals you'd like to accomplish, write them all down on a Master Goals List. Then, each month throughout the year, focus on the one or two that are most important to you. You won't get overwhelmed and you'll be amazed at what you can accomplish.

3. MAKE YOUR RESOLUTIONS S-M-A-R-T:
o SPECIFIC: Your resolutions must be specific. For instance, saying that you'd like to spend more time with your kids in the new year is too
general. However, saying that you vow to spend 1 hour of quality time with your kids each Friday and Wednesday, immediately following dinner,
is very concrete and specific.
o MEASUREABLE: Resolutions that are worked on and achieved, are those that can be measured and tracked. When you think of making a

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