This, of course, is the time of the year where everyone is thinking about what happened in 2007. We think about how we want our circumstances to be different and we want to be different and better and shed all those things that made us less than what we want to be.

So we make New Year Resolutions.  We list all the things that we are going to do to fix ourselves and our circumstances for the upcoming year.  And everything will go into effect on Jan 1.  And for most of us, by Jan 15 everything is back to the way is was Dec 31.

I agree that the new year is an excellent time to strive to be better and make some decisions about being a better person and live a productive life in the upcoming year.  We all know that life is about change, progress and forward motion. The unstoppable progression of years makes the start of each new year a perfect opportunity to make plans and set goals.

So, don't call it a resolution, call it a goal. And make a plan for how you're going to achieve it.  Treat it like any other goal that you set for yourself.  Make it attainable, but a stretch.  And make it something that will stick.  Something that you already planned to do anyway.  Last year, like every other year, I resolved to  lose the weight of the extra person that was sitting around my stomach, thighs and butt.  And this, I didn't do anything more that what I was already doing.  It wasn't until I found an activity that I liked that kept my motivated that I actually started to achieve my goal- rather than just going to the gym and doing the same old, same old.

I started running.  I had weekly bench-marks, I had people with me everyday to help keep me going even when I thought I was going to die.  I had compatriots that marked every mile with me.   And when it was all said and done, we had all done what we had set out to do. 

Resolutions are things that we make at the start of the year, usually things that are so large that we set ourselves up for failure.  Goals aree different.  Goals are things that are measurable.  Goals are things that you make a plan for.  There is a set timeframe for goals.  In December of 2008, you can look back at your list of goals and see the things that you've been able to mark off.  And nothing feels better than being able to mark stuff off your to-do list.

So make your 2008 list of goals things that will make your life better, more productive and more fun.  And realize that we are all works in progress and real change takes time.

And if you look at your list and realize (like I did) that your goals aren't the kind that are readily measurable, then  look for the over-arching theme and use the goals as a way to check yourself out and bring awareness to how you are behaving versus how you want to behave.  For examaple, if you want to be more appreciative of your own talents- then don't be so critical of yourself .  And when you find yourself being critical, mentally slap your hand and remind yourself that you are worthy of appreciation.  And if your goal is to lose 20 pounds, when you find yourself mindlessly nibbling, or flaking out on working out, or pulling into the nearest fast food grease factory, remind yourself of your goal and get yourself back on track to doing what you've set out to do.

My 2008 goals ( things that will make my 2008 much easier)

-->Calm down.  I generally keep myself is such a high state of anxiety that its hard to concentrate on what I'm supposed to be doing.

-->Learn to appreciate myself.  If I don't see my worth, how can anyone else?

-->Make and keep a workable budget!!!!!  'Nuf said.

-->Being present in the now, while keeping my ability to plan for the future.  If I'm constantly looking ahead, how can I enjoy what's happening to me now?

-->Be ok with not always being in control.  Unfortunately, I can't control everything and everyone so until I figure out how to make that happen I need to realize that no matter what is thrown my way, I'll eventually be ok.

-->Be the friend that I want to have.  Like recognizes like, so if I'm a good friend, I'll attract good friends.

-->Be myself-open, honest and unapologetic.  It shouldn't be hard to be myself.  There should be no thought required.

-->Stop driving like a maniac.  Really if you've ever seen me on the highway you know what I mean, but sometimes I just can't stop myself from blowing past everyone.