Every year there is a lot of chatter about resolutions. Not so much about what we are going to resolve to accomplish this year, or month, but about how common it is for us to make resolutions which we don’t stick to.

You will be questioned about how many New Year’s resolutions you have made over the years, how many did you stick to, how many did you kick to the curb within days?

And it’s all true! For the most part.

And does that make you feel like bothering this year?

Don’t be glum, you CAN make New Year a powerful time to boost the success of your goals and desires over the coming year.

If you have made making a New Year’s resolution more than just a passing fancy…

if you have made it a habit every New Year to make a list of goals that you would like to achieve…

if you have taken the time to review your old one’s…

you will probably find that you already have accomplished a growing list of life goals and challenges.

If you haven’t done this, you can. It’s fun! What other season of the year focuses so intently upon you and your life. It’s my favourite time of the year!

The first thing to remember is that a resolution is just that - a resolve to do something.

My idea of a resolution… or a resolve to do something… is to make a decision and be strong in not budging on it. If I resolve to do something it means that I have made up my mind (important step) and will not budge on it, come “hell or high water”. It will be a top priority. A written law.

How many of us take our New Year’s resolutions that seriously?

How many of us even know what the dictionary term for resolution or resolve is?

I didn’t so I looked it up.

Here is a summary of the pertinent meanings of “resolution” and “resolve” taken from the Oxford dictionary.

Resolution – 1. boldness and firmness of purpose. 2. a thing resolved on: an intention (New Year’s resolutions) 3. The act or instance of solving doubt or a problem or question (towards a resolution of the difficulty)

Resolve – 1. make up ones mind (resolve to do better) 2. cause to do this (events resolved him to leave) 3. solve, clear up, settle (doubt, argument, etc) 4. a firm mental intention or a resolution (made a resolve not to go) 5. resoluteness, steadfastness.

If you look at the various meanings, you will see a common thread and various explanations as to why we make New Year’s resolutions.

Because we want to do better.

Because an event (or situation) has caused us to want change.

Because we want to replace a negative with a positive.

These are coupled with a firm foundation, the clear and final decision that it is what we want to do.

With the full intention that we WILL accomplish it.

Your frame of mind is of utmost importance when you are choosing your New Year’s resolution.

Is it something that you really want? Is it something that you are willing to do the work to get?

If not, you probably are wasting your time.

If so, make your resolution this New Years Eve – any time will do. What is your burning desire to change or accomplish in your life? Write it down.

Try to focus on one important item.

Make a plan and follow it daily.

Get some support with a kindred spirit or two. It will up your chances of success exponentially.

Your resolve will soon become a habit.

When you reach that point, it’s smooth sailing as long as you desire it to be so.

Do it for your self.

Have a Happy New Year!

Janice Ferrante is the Queen of KAOS. You can learn more about how to Conquer KAOS and take CONTROL by visiting her website at http://www.queen-of-kaos.com. Also be sure to sign up for her free ezine containing more practical tips, articles and resources at http://www.queen-of-kaos.com/qoktipssub.html .