New Year's Resolution Check-In Time: Are You on Track to Meet Your 2010 Goals?

Are you sending up an S.O.S. for help achieving your New Year's resolutions? It's about two weeks after the usual excitement of a new year and a fresh start - and for many of us, the excitement is fading as the reality check sets in.

Here's how to get back on track:

1. Recognize you're not alone. Studies show that half of everyone in the nation makes resolutions on December 31. And after a week, 25 percent of those would-be resolution achievers have failed. So don't mentally yell at yourself: just make a resolution to start over again! It's like that children's song: "Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again!"

2. Revise your original goal. Remember the KISS approach: Keep It Simple, Sweetheart. If you originally resolved to run a marathon in 3 months -- but don't currently even walk half an hour a day, rethink your initial goal to something more realistic.

3. Set milestones. For example, you could start by setting a milestone of walking ten minutes a day for one week. Achieve that milestone, and add in five minutes more every week.

4. Establish a reward system. And keep that reward healthy. If you're aiming to lose five pounds in two months, bribing yourself with a hot fudge sundae at the end of those two months just might not be the greatest plan. How about a massage or a manicure instead?

5. Seek support from those you know will be helpful. We all know someone who seems to always look on the negative side and play the role of pessimist (e.g. "Well, you'll probably hurt yourself if you try running). Seek support form someone you can count on to be positive and encouraging. Who knows? You might even find someone who wants to join you on your resolution, such as walking with you or eating healthier with you.

6. Get a journal and keep it fresh and honest. Tracking your resolution in a diary or journal can help you keep track of your successes and any set-backs, as well as figure out the cause for any delays. For example, you may discover that you do well on Monday through Friday but relax and skip working out or eating right on the weekend. That way, you can make a new plan to keep you on track all seven days!