New Year’s Resolutions have been around for thousands of years – since ancient Rome. Probably for that long, most resolutions have been forgotten about in a few weeks…or days…or even hours. Most resolutions seem to be about “fixing” some aspect of ourselves such as lose weight, quit smoking or other bad habits, or start exercising. Sometimes resolutions are about something we think we should do: volunteer, spend more time with certain people, learn something new.

Isn’t it true we often have the same resolutions year, after year, after year?

We try to solve the same problems again, and again, and again.

Decide this year will be different: just say no to New Year’s Resolutions! That’s right… forget about them. There’s no law that says you must make New Year’s Resolutions.  And… studies have shown time and again, New Year’s resolutions don’t work.

So why bother?

Instead, consider giving yourself this gift: go to your calendar right now and block out a day the week of January 11th. (The holidays will be over and you’ll have had a week to get back in the swing of things.) This will be a day just for you: a day to reflect on 2009 and plan for 2010. If the thought of taking an entire day gives you a lump in your throat, then go for a half day, but nothing less! On the designated day, leave your home or office. Go someplace quiet such as the local library. Bring a pad of paper and a pen.

When you’re ensconced in your spot, take out your pad of paper and answer the following questions on separate pages:

1) What were my successes, joys and accomplishments this year? (Consider all the parts of your life, not just your work or business.)

2)What were my disappointments, frustrations and failures?

Reflect on your responses to these questions and finally, ask yourself this:

What do I really, really want?

Write your answers on your pad.

With the answers to these questions you can begin to formulate yearlong goals, and then a plan to achieve those goals.

This is a down and dirty goal setting process, but it’s a whole lot better than traditional New Year’s Resolutions.

On New Year’s Eve, when someone asks about your New Year’s resolutions, tell them your one and only New Year’s resolution is not to make any New Year’s resolutions.

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