Keep your resolutions

Okay, now that you've slept off your post-New Year's Eve buzz let's return to your New Year's resolutions. From last year! Yes, you know what I'm talking about. You still plan to lose weight, learn a foreign language and save more for retirement. Yes, indeed.

So how do you make sure that this year's resolutions stick?

First, layout a specific goal: how much weight do you want to lose, say, and over what length of time?

Second, be realistic: can you lose 20 pounds in 20 weeks or should that be 10 pounds in 20 weeks or 20 pounds in 40 weeks?

Third, make sure this is something you can really do: if you've tried diets and they didn't work then look into ways to change your lifestyle (more walking, less eating).

Fourth, make sure that this is something you really want to do, something you believe is important.

Five, keep track of your incremental victories and don't punish yourself for short-term setbacks that you can correct.