res·o·lu·tion
n.

1 The state or quality of being resolute; firm determination.
2 A course of action determined or decided on

Have you ever driven a car on a dry but previously muddy road? The ruts left by those who traveled before you make it hard to forge a new trail. Try as you might to stay out of those ruts, you feel the tug on the wheel and without further warning you slip right back into them. Then comes the fight to get back out again.

Of course when it comes to a New Year's resolution, those ruts are your own and the trail is all too familiar. No wonder it's harder than ever to forge your new path.

Here are a couple of tools to help:

1. Be Realistic. You have to give yourself a chance for success. If your goals are too big a reach (beyond your own belief system) then you've just given yourself a recipe for failure.

2. Be Specific. I believe you should write your goals down so you can refer to them often. Besides nothing clarifies the mind like having to express yourself so someone else can understand your direction and goals.

Caution: While telling other people you're going to do something increases your own commitment, pick the people carefully. It can actually be detrimental to tell others if they respond negatively. You don't need another naysayer. Select people that you respect and admire, and who will support your goals.

3. Be Persistent. Realize that it takes 30 days for a change in behavior to become a habit and six months for a habit to become a natural part of your personality.

In my book, persistence is one of the greatest traits of the real super achievers. There is, in my opinion, a direct correlation between those who have been able to forge new paths and their ability to persist despite setbacks.

Let this New Year be a renewal of our persistence to achieve our resolutions. Even resolutions we have proclaimed in earlier years only to fall short of can be revived and enlivened with our renewed persistence.

In the words of one who knows all about true resolve, Ron Heagy, "Never give up!"

Happy NEW YEAR to be Resolute!