by C.S. Bezas

OK. It’s the New Year. Ready to make those resolutions and keep them?

1. Blast Off with Desire

A rocket expends 80% of its fuel to successfully launch. Want success? Try burning desire. When you really want something, you are more likely to stick with it and achieve it.

2. Reverse Engineer Your Resolutions

It may sound odd, but take five minutes to write what you hate about your life. Now flip it around to lock in easier-to-achieve resolutions. “I hate my weight,” becomes “I’ve lost ten pounds in only eight weeks!” Now that’s a resolution you can accomplish!

3. Trim the List

You set yourself up for failure with too many resolutions. Keep your list to three or less. Once they are accomplished, move on to new ones.

4. Imagine Your Success

Researchers now know that “seeing with an eye of faith” actually works! People who consistently visualize success achieve it. Thus, repeat your resolution each morning, and fall asleep each night “seeing” it. This simple activity can spell the difference between accomplishment or not.

5. Celebrate Specifics

A murky plan won’t get you far. Follow-through is found in specific actions. Follow these and from now on, you’ll achieve your New Year’s resolutions!

Cindy Bezas is a columnist for Meridian Magazine. Her new book, Powerful Tips for Powerful Teachers is available at Deseret Book.