1. Make it something you really want. Don't make   it a resolution that you "should" want or what other people tell you   to want. It has to fit with your own values.

2. Limit your list to a number you can handle.   It's probably best to make two or three resolutions that you intend to keep.   That way, you're focusing your efforts on the goals you truly want.

3. Be specific. To be effective, resolutions and   goals need to be pretty specific. Jettison the amorphous "exercise more,"   in favor of "I'm working out at the gym Monday, Wednesday and Friday at   5:30 p.m."

4. Automate. Automating financial goals can maximize   your odds for success without you having to do anything. If your goal is to   save $3,000 this year, calculate the amount out of each check, then arrange   to have it automatically deposited into your savings account each time you get   paid.

5. Make a plan. Rather than stating one daunting   goal, create a series of smaller steps to reach it. Have an action plan. Figure   out exactly what you want to do.

6. Be prepared to change some habits. One reason that resolutions fail is people   don't change the habits that sabotage them. One potent approach is to realize   that all you ever have is the present moment. So ask what you can do now that   will get you closer to your goal. It could mean trade-offs such as sacrificing   an hour of couch time for your new goals. That's how you get resolutions implemented.

7. Write down the goal and visualize it regularly.   Writing and visualizing are effective tools for fulfilling a goal because they   fix it firmly in the subconscious. And if you write down your goals, put them   in a prominent place where you'll view them frequently, such as on the fridge   or on your desk. Glickman keeps her important life goals and priorities on her   computer's screen saver.

8. To tell or not to tell? Having someone hold   you accountable can be a powerful tool. In general, making a public commitment   adds motivation.

9. Forgive yourself. If you fall off the wagon,   jump back on. Many people fall into the trap of believing that if they stumble,   they should give up. The truth is you don't have to wait for next year or for   some magic moment. Instead, realize that "slipping is part of the process.