Keeping New Year's Resolutions

One study showed that while most people make new year's resolutions, nearly all of them failed to keep them (98%!). There are a few things you can do to dramatically improve your odds, however. The main thing is to set some realistic goals, and be specific. Instead of resolving to "stick to a budget this year," and then blowing it after a few weeks and giving up- while feeling like a failure- try to be realistic. Set a goal of sticking to a budget for the month of January, and giving yourself $20 of 'mad money' to spend. After you succeed for the first month, pat yourself on the back and set a goal for Febuary.

An online survey also showed that there are other things that dramatically improve your odds.
1. Ask for the support of family, coworkers, or friends in meeting your goals.
2. Stay away from people and situations that sabatage your good intentions- that one 'friend' that always talks you into dessert, or stopping for a drink, or buying that sweater.
3. Reward yourself for reaching intermediate goals.
4. Identify the motivations and values that underly the resolution. For "sticking to a budget" the motive might be to create a college fund for your son, or have a savings account for the next economic crisis.
5. Improve your knowledge and/or skills, by reading a book or taking a class that supports your dedication to a goal.

My personal favorite strategy is to build in tolerance for a slip, or allow for a failure, knowing I won't be perfect in my resolve. That creates an opportunity to succeed even when I mess up, and I can coach myself back on track, perhaps even learning how to avoid that pitfall in the future.