10 Tips for Keeping Your 2010 New Year's Resolutions

Each year, millions of people make New Year's resolutions, and 2010 is no exception. In such a busy world, many people find it difficult to follow through. Read these tips for ways to not only jump start your resolutions, but for how to stick with them.

1). Figure out what you want to change. To make a resolution really work, you need to be very specific. For example, do not just say you want a better job. Do you want a job that pays more money, offers better hours, or in a different industry altogether? It is easier to stick to a plan when you know exactly what outcome you desire.

2). Visualize your resolution working. Picturing the new and improved you, no matter what the resolution, helps motivate you to actually make it happen.

3). Do research to analyze how you will succeed at goal. To succeed at a goal, you need to know what obstacles may get in the way and how you can overcome them. For example, if you want to further your education, determine if there is a waiting list or how much tuition is going to cost.

4). Outline your requirements and set realistic goals. If your goal is to put more money in savings, make an outline of your necessary bills. Set a realistic goal that you can afford to put away each month. Be realistic-not allowing yourself any spending money is going to be very hard.

5). Break your goal up into smaller milestones. Set mini-goals for yourself. For example, if you want to lose ten pounds within ten weeks, set a weight loss goal of one pound per week.

6). Set deadlines. Deadlines are a great way to determine if you are on track. Set reasonable deadlines for improvement and eventual completion.

7). Have a support system. If you have family or friends with a similar resolution, work on it together.

8) Reward yourself. Give yourself a mini-reward each time you complete a milestone, such as a fun night out or a new outfit.

9). Do not beat yourself up. Everyone falls off the bandwagon sometimes. The most important part is to not scrap your resolution altogether. Simply begin again.

10). Keep a journal of your progress. Note feelings and actions you have taken toward your resolution to see how far you have come. It will make your goal seem much closer.