Dear Just Be: How do I make a New Years resolution really work?

2010 is quickly approaching and with it a new decade, and hope breathes in all of us for the new year to be better in some way. We all have the ability to make positive changes in our lives and here are some tips to help you stick to your New Years Resolution:

1. Don't bite off more than you can realistically chew. Start with the principle that one and only one resolution at a time is required.

2. Break the change down into small manageable steps. Use a chart or other visual manifestation of the tasks you will need to accomplish to reach your goal. For instance, if you want to lose weight, break down the goals by number of hours to exercise - increasing the amount of time you exercise as more time passes. Or think of how much weight you want to lose per month or per quarter. Remember this is a New YEARS resolution - you can take all year to reach your goal.

3. Visualize the positive end result. Put pictures around your home that reflect the end goal you want to achieve. There is no big "secret" relative to the attraction theory that you can achieve what you want by focusing on it, visualizing the goal and as a result, motivating your actions to achieve it.

4. Ask others to help you achieve your goal - ask them for their support or assistance. Having a support network can be extremely helpful.

5. As you move forward and the old familiar rationalizations pop back into your head, tune them out and start telling yourself positive and motivating statements.

6. If you do slip up a bit, don't punish yourself - instead be kind to yourself (as you would a child who made a simple mistake), forgive yourself and move forward. Each day allows you start over if you allow yourself to do so.

7. Have faith in yourself. You can do anything if you set your mind on that goal. Remember, it is never to late to make changes in our lives and become the person we truly want to be.

Good luck and we wish you a happy and prosperous New Year in 2010!