In less than one month's time the majority of us are going to set New Years Resolutions for 2011. Why do so many people talk of, and even admit to, making New Year's resolutions when almost none of them will be kept?

Statistics show that somewhere in the vicinity of 97% of New Year's resolutions won't be kept! Why? The reasons are simple...

1. Most people do not expect to keep their resolution
2. Most don't know how to truly set goals or don't believe it matters

Try instead to set an Intention for your new life – not just your new year. List your top 3 commitments for your personal health and wellness and build them into your everyday life. Look for the bigger need behind the desire, what is really important for you? It may be to have more sleep and rest, get more relaxation and fun, add physical activity into everyday, eat with awareness or just be grateful and reflect on the day.

Do you have balance in all areas of your life? Look at the big picture and outline a vision of what you want your new life to look like. Where will you be working, living, what you will be earning? Include family, friends, health, fun, activities, community, spiritual and personal growth.

Once you have a clear vision of your ideal life, set some goals that are achievable, both in the short term and also long term. Ticking short term goals on your list gives you momentum and encouragement to complete other targets set. Challenge and extend yourself – don't sell yourself short. Be your best and number one supporter.

Structure + Willpower = Success

Willpower alone will not work; it must be combined with structures. A structure is a method of helping you remember and to take action on what is prioritised as important, such as putting a note on your calendar to jog your memory. Some structures you can use:

• Create a special screen saver with wording or visual image 
• Post notes around the office or home with reminders and affirmations
• Vision boards with cut out pictures of dream home, car, job or holiday destination
• Play special piece of music to remind and inspire you to continue and complete a project you are working on
• Wear special piece of clothing to motivate you, new gym gear to get you in the mood for walking, gym class, swim etc
• Place a special reminder in your car, on fridge or in your pocket
• Find an exercise partner or join a team

Find a structure that works for you and keep it fun. Allow your structures to become habits by using your daily planner, working with a buddy or coach and remember to reward yourself for successes. Focus on the end result and remind yourself how you will feel when you have achieved and are living your intention and enjoying your new life. You will also be a great motivator to others who have watched your progress.

Through accountability and having support systems in place the seemingly unattainable can become achievable.

Julie Landers is a Certified Professional Coach and founder of Life Focus Plus (www.lifefocusplus.com).  She helps people set goals and unearth dreams so they can have a more satisfying and balanced life - contact her for a complementary 30 minute Coaching Discovery Session or for any further information.

Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Julie Landers is a member of the Australian Women's Mentoring Network. Visit Julie's AWMN Profile (login required).

© Julie Landers 2010