How to Make (And Stick to) New Year's Resolutions

Every year I make a list of things I want to achieve and things I need. Over the course of the year I may get off track and forget half of the things I vowed to do. But I have learned over the last several years that to keep my resolutions, I have to create a realistic list. The best thing you can do when trying to achieve certain goals is to make sure they are reasonably attainable. Here's a few tips on making your list of resolutions and keeping them:

1. Start out with 5 realistic resolutions. If you work hard on 5 things you want or need, you have a better chance of achieving them.

2. Reward yourself for reaching a milestone. Say you're a real estate agent and you set out to sell three homes a month. By mid month you've sold one, and have another under contract. Celebrate, because you 1/3 of the way to achieving your goal. Whether you buy a new pen or treat yourself to a new pair of Louboutins, recognize your accomplishments.

3. Surround yourself with like-minded people or people who can help you. When you surround yourself with positive people, you feed off their energy. Good energy produces good energy. Period.

4. Don't try to do it all. You can only take on so much. I have a habit of trying to do too much so my goal for '09 is to take a breather and accomplish small tasks. For example, my most important goal for '09 is to publish my second book. I'm such an over analyzer, I put doing so off for a few years. I vow to publish at least one of my upcoming three books this coming year.

5. Enjoy your accomplishments but don't stop there. Once you achieve a goal, move on to the next. Don't linger on one goal. There is work to be done!