A good resolution is like an old horse, which is often saddled but rarely ridden.
--Mexican Proverb

We are officially into 2009 and the talk shows, news clips, and featured articles are all advising us on how to quit smoking, lose weight, save money, blah, blah, blah. Typical New Year’s resolution hype that rarely lasts and doesn’t dig deep enough to initiate action with a plan that produces results or meets goals. Resolutions don't work, but defined intentions with detailed direction will get you where you want to go.

As Antoine de Saint-Exupery wrote, A goal without a plan is just a wish. Here are six questions to ask yourself today so that on December 31, 2009, (yes, a year from now) your plans can be completed goals. Pick them in any order, try them all in one day, or pick one until you have the answer, then move on to the next. There are no right or wrong answers. They should be pondered between you and your conscience, then written down in your journal (although any piece of paper will do, just WRITE it down), and perhaps discussed with your BFF.

   On your mark, get set, goal:

• WHO do you want to be on December 31, 2009?
• WHAT do you wish to accomplish or achieve this year?
• WHEN will you accept that you are able to make your wish a do-able plan?
• WHERE can you find help, information, and support to turn your plan into completed goals?
• WHY do you seek this change in your life?
• HOW did you hold yourself back in 2008 from implementing or achieving your plan?

Discover your answers using your heart, gut, and mind and then take action. All the best of stamina, luck, and direction as you get on track for 2009.

When you are ready, share your plan with us and tell us how it is coming along. I'd be really excited to hear it.