Make your resolutions reality

When you try to change a bunch of stuff at once, it is overwhelming. And that's not just you. Research shows that we become depleted after exerting the self-regulation it takes to make a change. So this year, don't do it all at once. You can have multiple goals, but tackle them only one at a time. Here's how:

1. Identify a handful (3 - 6) of goals for the year.
In your case, you might choose to position yourself for a new career by pursuing new assignments at work that will expand your skills, or create a goal of being at a healthy weight (as determined by your doctor) by the summer, or to increase your income by a specific amount by December 31st.

2. Ask yourself, "What is the most important habit I need to develop (or eliminate) in order to reach my goal?"
When it comes to actually bringing your goal to fruition, it's about what you do every day. Rather than focusing on the goal, identify the most important habit that would lead to the goal. As Aristotle once said, "We are what we repeatedly do." If you want to lose 30 pounds, but you eat greasy take-out most nights at 9:30 pm, it's going to be hard. So create a new habit: Eat a light, healthy dinner at 6:30 pm every night. Focus on that as your one goal for the next month. Likewise, if you want to earn more and you have a part-time business, create a sales habit - like daily outreach to at least three customers.

3. As you conquer each habit, add a new one.
Once your new habit becomes an old one, focus on the next habit you want to develop in order to reach one of your goals. Continue this throughout the year.

4. Make yourself accountable.
Decide now which habit you'll be working on in March or May or October, and have a system to remind yourself. Mark your calendar now. And tell others about your plans! Research shows you are far more likely to accomplish something when you don't keep it to yourself (lest you be tempted to drop the goal and no one will know it was ever a goal!). Put yourself out there. Declare your goals! Tell the world. Then you'll have some pressure, which can give you the extra motivation to take action.