This year I plan to try fencing (as in the sword-play type and not the palisade kind),  go for monthly back massages (if the interest rate on my bond comes down - finally) and finish studying through UNISA (that's right - your editor is a wanna-be archaeologist on the side).

It's an ambitious list. But it's achievable. I've made sure of that.

You see, when I sat down to write my resolution list - I took some advice from the experts. I didn't want to make the mistakes most people do when they set their goals for the New Year. And here's how I avoided them...

1. Write down your resolutions
A written resolution is more powerful than just a mental note. You will increase the chance of achieving your goals if you write them down.
 
2. Analyse your resolution
Write down all the positive impacts the change will bring to your life if you reach the set goal. Then write all the negative impacts you will have if you don’t achieve the goal.
 
3. Visualise the outcome
Imagine that you have already achieved your goal. Feel the difference. Feel the positive emotion of success. Imagine what your close ones are saying about your success.
 
4. Fix a deadline
No matter what you resolve to do, set a date for when you would like to achieve your goal. This will help to keep you motivated.
 
5. Write an action plan for each of your resolutions
First write down all the obstacles you might encounter in achieving this goal. Then list everything you will need to surmount them. Create a detailed and thorough action plan of how you will achieve this goal.

6. Take action
Constantly work on achieving your goal. Once you have made a list of tasks that need to be done in order to cross a significant hurdle, take action immediately,  no matter how small it is.
 
7. Treat yourself
Your hurdles are your milestones. Once you overcome one of them, congratulate yourself ritually. Give yourself a treat.
 
8. Get a partner
Some goals are easier to achieve if you work together with a friend or partner. If you feel that for reaching this goal you should get a partner, do so!
 
9. Stay motivated
No matter how hard you work, once in a while you will feel disappointed and this is the time when you will need to keep yourself motivated. Reading motivational books, listening to and reading inspirational stories works wonders in difficult times.
 
10. Review your progress
Every once in a while read the written statements about the goal you listed when you resolved to achieve it.  Add your present vision to the statements. Keeping a blog is a great idea if you want to follow your progress.
 
I'll keep you updated on I how I get on with my resolutions - but I'd love to know what yours are too. Please pop me an email (pascale@fsp.co.za) and let me know.

You know what?

I have a feeling this is going to be a great year for us!