Around this time of the year I love to ask people what their New Years resolutions are. Usually, the response I receive is that resolutions do not work so there's no point in making them.

There is a reason why New Years resolutions rarely work. Call it a matter of linguistics. Notice, people want the resolution to work. For a resolution to become a reality, it is the person who must work, not the resolution.

Stating your resolution is just the starting point. Like any goal, the path to success is to define or visualize it, plan it and act on it. Defining the goal is part of the commitment to the goal. It is amazing how many people never take the time to write down exactly what it is they want in life. Remember, you can't hit a target if you don't have one. Studies have shown that people that have goals and write down these goals are high achievers.

Important goals are often overwhelming. It is immensely helpful when you break down your goal into definite pieces or steps with appropriate time frames and an articulation of resources needed. Call them mini-goals or action plans. Each time you accomplish a mini-goal, you are that much closer to the whole goal. Remember, each small success builds your confidence and your skill set for achieving the greater goal.

"The reason most people never reach their goals is that they don't define them, or ever seriously consider them as believable or achievable.Winners can tell you where they are going, what they plan to do along the way, and who will be sharing the adventure with them. " Denis Watley

To be successful in attaining your goals, they must be:

1. Specific identify the outcome you want in very specific terms.

e.g. If Genie asked you for 3 wishes and you said that you wanted a large house, make you add that it is not on swamp land etc.

2. Right fair to everybody, based on integrity, honesty and everyone would benefits.

3. Stated in Positive terms - identified in terms of what it is you do want, not what you dont want. Your goal should not be to lose weight but to become healthier. Then you can define what being more healthy means for you. How would you feel when you are healthier? What would you look like? What would you be able to do that you can not do now?

4. Emotional move it from your conscious to your subconscious, get excited by it, bring in other people, work on it, keep looking after it and visualize success.

Define It!
Define your goals, write them down, and be very specific; capture your goal(s) on paper.
Ask yourself what are the consequences if I do not achieve my goals. Make a list?
Do I have too many goals?
What are my priorities?
Identify what you really want. You goal is not to lose weight; it is to be healthy.

Plan it!
Determine what the time line is for reaching your goal(s); set specific deadlines for each goal. Ask yourself the following questions.
Are my timelines realistic?
What steps do I need to take to achieve my goal(s)?
Who can help me achieve this goal (s)?
What obstacles may stand in your way? List them, and state how you plan to overcome them.

Act on it!
What do I need to do daily to achieve my goal?
What do I need to do weekly to achieve my goal?
Do I need to adjust my plan?

On a weekly basis, reflect on how much progress you are making towards your goal(s). It is important to take the time to identify all of your accomplishments that you make along the way towards achieving your goal and celebrate them.

Consider working with a coach. If you are serious about getting what you want, coaching is an ideal way for you to set and achieve better, more meaningful goals in a unbiased relationship that is totally focused on your success.