Six Simple Steps to Keep Your New Year's Resolution

New Year's Day is one of my favorite holidays, because I like the idea of starting with a clean slate. Usually, I don't have any drastic changes to make in my life, but I like the idea of improving myself in the New Year. It's not easy, though. Here are my six simple steps to keeping a New Year's Resolution.

Step 1: Make a commitment

First, acknowledge how hard it is to keep a New Year's resolution. Ask yourself if you are willing to make the sacrifice to do something different. It may be easy and comforting for you to smoke, overeat or avoid exercise. If you aren't serious about making a positive change in your life, don't get started because you won't succeed.

Step 2: Tell your family and friends.

This worked for me when I was finishing college. It was a hard road and I almost quit at one point. In my senior year, I told everyone that I was going to jump into Lake Michigan to celebrate my final class at Northwestern University. Keep in mind that I graduated in March, so the water was about 38 degrees. I told everyone I would do it, which meant that when the time came, I had to take the plunge. Get others to root for you and to invest in your success.

Step 3: Envision success

First most important; WRITE IT DOWN!! If you don't write it down then you can't envision it. Vision your new life after you have kept your New Year's resolution. Will you be healthier? Slimmer? Will you have more money in the bank? Make a list of all the ways your life will be improved if you keep your New Year's resolution. Keep the list out in the open, put a date on it, maybe put it on the calendar!! Remind yourself that you aren't making this sacrifice for no reason. When your were in school you have due dates for your projects.

Step 4: Don't go it alone