Successful Strategies to Keep New Year's Resolutions in 2009

I have developed a few ways of turning resolutions into goals that can be started any time of the year. These five techniques of keeping and reaching your goal are easy to apply to your life.

I do suggest starting with just one resolution. Pick the one area you really want to change.

Maybe you want to quit smoking, loose weight, adopt healthier habits, it does not matter what you choose because these five simple techniques will help you.

Number one is what I call treasure mapping. Some people refer to it as a dream board. Let's say you want to loose weight. Take some poster board and magazines then cut out pictures of the figure you want from the magazines. You could snip your face out of a picture and place it over the magazine picture. Cut out pictures of healthy foods, a person exercising. Paste them on the board and hang this close to your bed, so that it is the first thing you see in the morning and the last thing you see at night.

Number two is find quiet time each day and for five minutes or longer, imagine yourself at the weight you desire, see others coming up to you and telling you how great you look and asking if you lost weight. Set a timer and stick with it.

Number three, pick one thing you can do each day to achieve your goal. For weight loss it could be choosing healthier snacks, or a new exercise to try. Just pick one thing everyday.

Number four; enlist a family member or friend to encourage you. Tell them about your intention to loose weight; encourage them to ask how you're doing and even cheering you on. If you are not comfortable asking others to share your journey, then stand in front of the mirror and cheer yourself on, be your own cheerleader Tell yourself what a great job you are doing and how close you are to your goal.

Number five is to learn more and read inspirational stories about others who have achieved the same goals you are working toward. Read books that encourage you and motivate you. Incorporate techniques that worked for others into your daily plan.

Remember that everyday is a great day to achieve your dreams. Start now, and if you falter, do not let failure win, step up and try again.