Live Life Better: 2009 New Year's Resolution and How to Keep It

This New Year, I promise to pray often, exercise regularly, wear make-up, have a sophisticated hairstyle, don a halter top, wear red lipstick, eat a hearty breakfast, get another sexy little black dress, take the stairs to the 2nd floor, crave for sweets less, meet more people, make love more, wear high heels often, reward myself more, stress myself less, have my nails done regularly, show more skin, try on shorter skirts, hike up a mountain, take a new sport, wear low-waist jeans, take Pilate lessons, control my temper, and make private moments more sensual. In other words, to live life better is my 2009 New Year's resolution.

Like spring cleaning, I am a big fan of resolutions. I like them so much that I make them not just at the start of a new year, but almost at the start of every month. Why not, resolutions serve me well, making me feel brand new.

Every resolution I make requires strength of spirit and willpower. When I manage to walk away from a tempting bag of potato chips or an adorable handbag, I know I just added plus to my bank of resolve. Wow, you are good! is my usual compliment to myself.

I have two other strategies that help me stick to my resolutions. One is to record my scores on a calendar. I also find it useful to be gentle and kind to myself for failures. I do not beat myself up or call it quits. For all of you, if you have not yet pinned down your resolutions for New Year, here is a good question to ask yourself: What do you want to achieve?

Making a good New Year Resolution is making a plan. Otherwise, it is mere dreaming. Here are six ways to make New Year's Resolutions for accomplished woman happen.

* Write down your plan. It is your guide to action.

* Talk about it. If it is about business, make it clear with your people that such is what you want to achieve.

* Keep it simple. The more complex a plan is, the harder it is to achieve.

* Make it a team effort. The people that you choose to help you accomplish your Resolution are important because they will either hold you back or push you forward. That is especially true for family.

* Stay motivated. Self-motivation is very important. Even if challenges come your way, you can easily address them knowing you have a goal in mind.

* Do what you enjoy. To do what you enjoy is the pinnacle of motivation.

Whatever resolutions you make, do not make them a punishment. If you want to get into better shape but hate the gym, consider outdoor training. If you want to cut down on wasteful spending, think of an activity you enjoy that can replace shopping.

Remember, it is New Year, a time to celebrate . . . new dreams . . . new hopes, not a time to feel deprived. While the New Year is a prime time for making resolutions, know that every day is just as good a time. Every day is a new beginning.