New Year’s Resolutions are quickly made and easily broken. Somehow we believe the calendar page will turn and all last year’s problems will vanish.

Would you like to end the struggle and see results?

Follow these four simple steps to set small, attainable, measurable goals instead of vague resolutions. You will be as amazed as I at the immediate feeling of success from day one.

Step #1. Make a list of possible changes for the new year.

For a plan you will finish, spend a few days to work through these questions.  Evaluate your answers; be honest with yourself.

a. Are you making resolutions (trying to change) to please others? Make sure your list reflects your unique personality.

b. What do you see as your greatest need this year? Is it really to lose weight, quit a habit, or exercise more? Or is your need to be a better person, draw closer to God, show kindness to others? Be specific.

c. Is there a pet project or unfinished task you really want to do but never have time to finish?

d. Are you pleased with your prayer life, devotions or Bible studies?

e. Do you feel you neglect calling on friends or sending cards of encouragement when needed?

f. Do you want to lose weight? Eat healthier? Be more physically fit?

g. Need help managing money, budgets, keeping house, etc.?

h. What would you like to learn? Sewing? Play an instrument? Gardening?

#2 Choose one goal from your list – only one.

This is the most difficult step. You may have an awesome list of worthy desires for yourself. It will be difficult to narrow it down, but you must do it to succeed this year. When this one goal is accomplished, you can move to another one as the year progresses.

Begin by carefully scratching through those that mean less to you. Take out any that may require more time and resources than you have right now. If needed, take a day or two to decide; you have a fresh new year and want to start it right.

#3 Prepare for success by planning.

With your one goal in mind, what do you need to accomplish it? Gather all the tools needed in a basket or a shelf or drawer. This may be recipe books, devotion guides, writing tools, etc.

Very important, write your one goal on several cards to keep in each room as daily reminders.

#4 Set a date to start working on your one goal.

Mark it on your calendar; schedule time for it. Plan to impress yourself with accomplishments.

Take it from one who knows; the sheer excitement of working toward one attainable goal will keep you motivated.

I am resolved to make no more resolutions; only goals — one at a time.

Let’s do this together. Let me hear from you. Pass it on.