Take out that list of resolutions from 2009, or 08,07,06 and probably 1998, cross out the year and write 2010 and you’re good to go.

We all do it, make and break the same resolutions each year.  But just maybe, if we attack the resolution in a different way, we might be able to come that much closer to making them stick.

Motivational experts agree that focused, achievable goal setting is a key component to success.  The old joke, How do you eat an elephant?…One bite at a time, or the proverb, the Journey of a Thousand Miles begins with a Single Step, inspires us to understand the logic behind our actions and set realistic expectations.

Let’s look at keeping some of the most commonly broken resolutions in a new way.

Save Money…It easy to set goals here.  Say,  I will save $100 a month, which breaks down to about $3.30 a day.  Is that your latte?  Or perhaps your daily contribution is in hidden like fees at ATM withdrawls.  Some banks offer easy saving plans where deposits are rounded up, or where a dollar is deducted from your checking account and put into savings.  Also enroll in as many auto pay programs as you can.  You will save late fees, and you won’t use stamps.  Save 8 stamps at .44 and you bank $3.50 or one days savings.

Stop Smoking- Most smokers know and ignore the health risks, so its really how difficult and expensive smoking is becoming which motivates.   See the real cost of smoking by putting the same amount of money spent on a pack or carton, into an envelope.  Use it to pay for half of an item….coulda had the TV paid off, if you didn’t buy the butts.

Clearing Clutter and Getting Organized – Feng shui practitioners say that clutter traps negative energy and that new things can’t arrive until there is a place for them, so out with the old and in with the new.  Why do you want to be organized?  To save time, frustration?  To look and feel  more professional and be more successful?  To have more space to pursue hobbies?  Focus on those rewards.  Picture a peaceful morning, an easy trip to the office or yourself doing the hobby and you’ll be on your way.

Lose Weight – Food is not the enemy, its bad relationships to food that get us off track.  Revere food.  Think about it how it’s grown, the nutrients it contains, the good fortune we have to have it everywhere.  Be excited by food.  Think of new recipes, flavors and enjoy planning ahead.  Most people de-rail because they grab and go, instead of having a reverent relationship.  Enjoy shopping, preparing and eating.  And don’t beat yourself up if you lose the battle with a box of chocolates.  Food is part of everyday life, when you understand your choices, you’ll have a healthier attitude.

Be more charitable – Dr. Wayne Dwyer says that giving, receiving, even witnessing acts of kindness releases endorphins that elevate mood and encourage healing.  Writing a check is nice, but getting involved is better.  Most organizations are desperate for volunteers and most volunteer commitments are only for several hours once a month, so find your cause and go.  Giving compliments can change a person’s day. Random acts of kindness can make you feel brand new.  Shovel the elderly neighbor’s driveway,  say thank you sincerely, clean out the closet and donate to thrift stores.  It’s better therapy than you can imagine and your behavior causes a chain reaction of happiness.

Most importantly, use your resolutions as a joyful personal commitment to your own happiness and a learning experience.  Set realistic goals and celebrate your victories. When you stop beating yourself up and start being excited, you may make it past January 3^rd.