I RESOLVE TO . . .

Daily Resolves Tips For The New Year: 69 Do's And Don'ts For Successful New Year Resolutions!

It's here!  New Year's Eve is upon us.  Are you ready to write the next chapter in your life in 2014?  Thankfully, Godwilling, we will receive 365 new opportunities to take small daily steps towards our dreams and healthy habits! 

With that in mind, I offer final installments this week in my 45-day run up to the New Year, by publishing my 'Best Of' columns since founding I Resolve To . . . in 2005. To view the complete list of my favorite articles, please visit Kim Simpson at Ezine Articles. If you plan to do a little daydreaming about the possibilities, feel free to use the I Resolve To . . . Work Sheet. Click this link for another handy brainstorming tool that I created for choosing the right resolution for you!

Today's food for thought . . .

69 Do's And Don'ts For Successful New Year Resolutions!  (Re-Print)

Do you know where your New Year Resolution Is? It's a great question to ask as you enter the last quarter in 2008. Have you made steady progress toward achieving your dream, or is it languishing on the back burner? On January 1 perhaps you hammered out a list of 20 things that you hate about yourself and your life, resolved to change, then gave up in a fit of pique because progress was just too hard and slow - too many tough resolutions and too few goals about which you had true interest and desire. I firmly believe that specific notion holds a key to success if you want to achieve New Year Resolutions: Rather than harnessing yourself with a laundry list of bad habits, choose just one dream that you truly want to achieve in this lifetime and focus all of your attention and passion on that one dream.

If you have a dream that you would love to pursue, and it's simmering on the back burner, you don't have to wait until New Year's Day to get started. Get moving now and you will get a jump on the New Year. Make a decision to 'go for it', build a plan that will take you to the finish line, and take one small step toward achievement each and every day. Use the start of the school year as a launching pad that will propel you toward the New Year. Begin building your momentum now! The first day of Autumn is a great beginning, or the first day of Spring, or your birthday, or the first day of Summer . . . you get the idea. Virtually every day is a wonderful opportunity to begin working toward your beloved dream by turning it into a specific one sentence resolution, and making that resolution a reality with daily goals. That's the I Resolve To . . . Formula For Success: Dream + Resolution + Daily Goals = Success, Reward and Achievement!

With that in mind, as you mull all the many large and small things that you would love to do, achieve, learn, create, see, be, have, feel, experience in this lifetime - your 'Lifetime Resolutions' - it is also important to think about the 'who, what, when, where, why, and how' involved in making and keeping that one special resolution - that dream on which you are going to focus all of your attention. Making and keeping resolutions requires much more than a wish, a hope, and a notation on the back of a cocktail napkin on New Year's Eve. Making and keeping a New Year Resolution takes planning, patience, persistence, courage, commitment, and above all - days, months, and years of hard work. When you enjoy the journey as much as the destination the hard work is worth it!

Bottom Line: If you truly want to make and keep a New Year Resolution, have no fear - it doesn't have to die a sudden, certain death midway through January. The right resolution - one about which you have enormous desire, passion, and interest - and the right approach, system, and attitude, can bring great joy, achievement, and reward. It's time to strap on your thinking cap, do some daydreaming, brainstorming, plotting, and planning. In addition to noodling about the 'perfect resolution for you' - consider these I Resolve To . . . Do's and Don'ts, which can help to keep you motivated and moving in the right direction day after day:

I Resolve To . . . Do's:

1. Dare To Dream about all the wonderful possibilities.
2. Decide To 'Go For It'.
3. Define your dream in one specific sentence that answers 'what and why'.
4. Develop A Plan that includes short and long range goals, timelines, milestones, and answers the question 'who, when, and how'.
5. Do It Daily - one goal, one day at a time for one year.
6. Make just one large, life-altering resolution, not 10 major resolutions.
7. Make just one large, life-altering resolution about which you have great desire and passion.
8. Focus like a laser on that one resolution.
9. Make a few mini-resolutions to keep things interesting and keep the momentum going.
10. Keep a Daily Resolution Diary that measures progress, and charts next steps and rewards.
11. Maintain a 12-month calendar to schedule daily goals, track milestones, and map your plan.
12. Set deadlines for goals, but don't beat yourself up if you fall behind - revise plans instead.
13. Be realistic about what you can achieve each day, week and month, then set realistic goals.
14. Visualize the desired outcome daily, make it a priority, and keep it front and center.
15. Wear your resolution, tape it to your mirror, carry it in your wallet, or put it on your screen saver.
16. Enlist the support of friends and family members.
17. Tell the world!
18. Do your homework: Knowledge is power and continual learning will promote progress.
19. As plans change review the 'who, what, why, when, where, and how'.
20. Be flexible and willing to make course corrections.
21. Think ahead and plan for obstacles - brainstorm a way around.
22. Life is full of 'Overtaken By Events' days - OBE - be flexible, prepared, and willing to compromise.
23. Believe in yourself, your talents, abilities, and your dream, resolution, and daily goals.
24. Stay focused - keep your eye on the prize, what you plan to achieve - at all times.
25. Find a mentor who can lend support, advice, and leadership through both smooth and rough sailing.
26. Join a club - surround yourself with folks who share your passion and can lend motivation and support.
27. Take a class - increase your knowledge.
28. Start a blog - write daily, and build or join an online community filled with like-minded folks.
29. Be a mentor - learn by doing, teaching and leading by example.
30. Just show up - some days showing up is all it takes to make progress and build momentum.
31. Get organized and stay organized.
32. Be patient, passionate and persistent.
33. Remind yourself daily about your accomplishments and reward yourself.
34. Remember some daily progress is better than 'no daily progress' or not pursuing your dream at all.
35. Know your strengths and use them effectively.
36. Know your weaknesses, embrace them, and learn how to overcome them.
37. Be willing to work hard and stay committed through good times and bad times.
38. Have fun and enjoy the journey.
39. Be grateful for all you have and all you are - 'give back' with kindness and charity!
40. Be determined and diligent - stay positive and maintain your optimism.
41. Do what you love, love what you do each and every day.
42. Be a Resolutionista: Make resolutions, keep resolutions and enjoy the journey!

I Resolve To . . . Don'ts

1. Procrastinate.
2. Give in to fear of success, or fear of failure.
3. Get overwhelmed, or discouraged by setbacks.
4. Grow weary, bored, or burned out.
5. Give Up!
6. Make a long laundry list of things that you feel you should change, but lack desire and interest to make the changes a reality.
7. Make a resolution for someone else.
8. Make the same resolutions year after year with zero progress.
9. Set the bar too high by having unrealistic expectations.
10. Beat yourself up for mistakes, unrealistic expectations, and unrealistic goals - re-plot your course instead.
11. View failure as a negative experience - grow and learn from it, then move forward.
12. Expect something for nothing - gain with no pain.
13. Go it alone.
14. Let bad attitude stand in your way - think about your moods and actions.
15. Check-In infrequently - failing to track progress, milestones, and timeline deadlines is a recipe for confusion and in-action.
16. Set unrealistic daily, weekly, and monthly goals.
17. Lose motivation and momentum from lack of planning - plan ahead, and know your goals for tomorrow and the next day.
18. Lose focus, flexibility, or faith in yourself and your dream, resolution, and daily goals.
19. Lose patience, passion, persistence, or your positive attitude.
20. Forget your primary objective - 'why' you are pursuing your dream, resolution, and daily goals.
21. Expect overnight results.
22. View your dreams, resolutions, and daily goals as a chore.
23. Let negative friends, family members, or colleagues stand in your way - find a way around.
24. Let obstacles stand in your way - know when you are creating your own obstacles.
25. Live a life of regret for what you could have seen, done, achieved, created, been, experienced, and conquered.
26. Let anyone tell you, you can't achieve your dream - with the right attitude, you can and you will!
27. Lose your 'fire in the belly'.

There is plenty of time between now and New Year's Day 2009 to take meaningful action. Start dreaming, planning, plotting, and brainstorming about 'doing what you love and loving what you do'. Pull out your journal, review your Lifetime Resolutions, and choose the one that will add joy and reward to your days, then 'go for it'!

Remember: I Resolve To . . . Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.® It's your choice. Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps: Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily.  Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good! Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey! Let's Go For It!

Need More Inspiration? Wear Your Resolution By Visiting The I Resolve To . . . Shop At CafePress: IResolve To . . . Resolutionista Gear. Get going on your 2014 New Year Resolutions with the I Resolve To . . . Work Sheet. View my 2009-2014 Health & Happiness Tapestry by clicking through Daily Resolve Photo-Resolutions.

Kim M. Simpson - December 31, 2013 Copyright © I Resolve To® . . . Inc. * All Rights Reserved.

Daily Resolve Tips For The New Year: Visualize Your Dreams!

The I Resolve To . . . Countdown continues, just two days remain in 2013.  With that in mind, I continue my 45-day run up to the New Year, by publishing my 'Best Of' columns since founding I Resolve To . . . in 2005. To view the complete list of my favorite articles, please visit Kim Simpson at Ezine Articles. If you plan to do a little daydreaming about the possibilities, feel free to use the I Resolve To . . . Work Sheet. Click this link for another handy brainstorming tool that I created for choosing the right resolution for you!

Today's food for thought . . .

I Resolve To . . .  Visualize My Dreams, New Year Resolutions and Daily Goals!  (Re-Print)

If you truly want to achieve a dream, resolution, or daily goal you have to know 'what you intend to do and how you intend to do it'. You have to be specific. It is exhilarating to commit to a huge, undefined dream, but to succeed, you have to boil it down to its core essence, so that you have clarity of thought, intention and focus. That clarity will enable you to build a comprehensive plan that you can implement one small step at a time, one day at a time. Clarity will help you to visualize - to see in your mind's eye what you intend to achieve, where you want to end up - and to keep your eye on the prize throughout the journey.

I use the I Resolve To. . . Formula For Success as a starting point. It's a simple, common sense way to achieve things great and small: Begin with a cherished dream, one in which you have enormous desire and interest. Turn that dream into a specific, one-sentence resolution that clearly states your intention. Make that resolution a reality with daily goals that can be achieved one small step at a time at a time, one day at a time.

Dream + Resolution + Daily Goals = Success, Reward & Fulfillment

Focusing on just one large, life-changing dream at a time is a critical component of any successful strategy. To do otherwise is overwhelming and a surefire way to set yourself up for frustration and failure. When you know 'what you intend to achieve and how you are going to achieve it', the daily journey is smooth, enjoyable and satisfying. Add four other key daily ingredients - planning, organization, simplicity, and implementation - and you remove the guesswork as well, replacing it with a solid system that will take you from start to finish.

The Tennis Court was a great training ground for a dreamer like me. As a kid, and throughout my high school and college years, I played competitive tennis. I love tennis today as much as I did when I was a 12-year-old. Picking up my racket and hitting the court brings great joy to my life. As a youngster, I learned that you have to work hard, show up every single day, and do your very best if you want to achieve your dreams. Daily practice didn't make me or my tennis game perfect, but it did help me to hone my skills and build good habits both on and off the tennis court. The same is true whether on a court, or in virtually any endeavor that a person chooses to undertake in life.

As I practiced my strokes day after day, I learned to visualize my intended goals, what I planned to achieve - all things large and small - in my game and in my life. I knew where the sweet spot was on my racket - that fabulous point when tennis ball meets racket just so, and the ball soars across the net for a winning point. I practiced hard and often so that my skills became habitual and instinctive, and so that I didn't have to think about everything that I was doing, every single second. My strokes, serve and overall game became almost automatic. I visualized my outcome from the outset, which helped me with each stroke, each point, each game, each day. I went to bed thinking and dreaming - visualizing - about hitting the sweet spot, and sending the ball across the net and inside the while lines. I learned young how important it is to visualize what you intend to achieve, to build a plan that will get you there, and to take small steps each and every day, so that you can make dreams a reality over time.

I also learned early in life that every shot doesn't necessarily bring victory and every day doesn't bring success. I discovered when you make a mistake, or feel like you have failed, it isn't failure at all if you learn your lessons, move forward with pride and a positive attitude, and try to do better the next time. Sometimes finding and maintaining that spark of optimism can be really really tough, but digging deep for a positive attitude can propel you toward victory on another day. If you keep the forward momentum going each and every day - even when you feel like you can't go another step let alone another mile - and keep your eye on the prize throughout by visualizing your intended outcome, you may not always get exactly what you desire, but you will enjoy a remarkable journey.

Remember: I Resolve To . . . Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.® It's your choice. Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps: Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily.  Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good! Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey! Let's Go For It!

Need More Inspiration? Wear Your Resolution By Visiting The I Resolve To . . . Shop At CafePress: IResolve To . . . Resolutionista Gear And By Joining The Official I Resolve To . . . Group At Gather.Com. Get going on your 2014 New Year Resolutions with the I Resolve To . . . Work Sheet. View my 2009-2014 Health & Happiness Tapestry by clicking through Daily Resolve Photo-Resolutions.

Kim M. Simpson - December 30, 2013 Copyright © I Resolve To® . . . Inc. * All Rights Reserved.

Daily Resolves Tips For The New Year: Take A Class!

Just three days left in 2013!   With that in mind, I continue my 45-day run up to the New Year, by publishing my 'Best Of' columns since founding I Resolve To . . . in 2005. To view the complete list of my favorite articles, please visit Kim Simpson at Ezine Articles. If you plan to do a little daydreaming about the possibilities, feel free to use the I Resolve To . . . Work Sheet. Click this link for another handy brainstorming tool that I created for choosing the right resolution for you!

Today's food for thought . . .

New Year Resolution Tips:  Take A Class!  (Re-Print)

Are you looking for motivation in the New Year? Trying to find a way to stick with your New Year Resolution each and every day? One way to insure that you will take small daily steps toward achieving your dream, resolution and daily goals is to take a class, or a series of classes throughout the year. A class about the dream of your choice will help you to expand your creative and intellectual horizons, learn something new, introduce you to folks who share your passion, and help to provide a structure for your daily, weekly and monthly action plans.

I recently pulled out a journal from 1994. I decided in 1994 to get serious about my long-held passion for photography. Practicing my craft - serious professional photography - is one of my Lifetime Resolutions, a dream that has been with me since childhood. Photography is one of my gifts. Like writing, it makes my spirit soar, keeps me energized, makes me happy. I love picking up my cameras and heading out on a shoot - whether for work, or my personal fine art interests. It's all the same. Once I have my camera in hand I can go for hours and hours. I slip into the 'zone', a pretty blissful place. I enjoy the journey as much as the destination - pointing my camera, framing my shot and and pushing the right buttons, all the way to making the final image in the darkroom, or on my computer in Adobe Photoshop. I enjoy the journey as much today as I did as a kid with a tiny Brownie Camera.

My point: Back in 1994 I made a decision to get serious about my passion, my dream, and to make photography part of the eventual business that I would build. My first step was to make an initial decision to 'go for it'. My second step was to define specifically what I wanted to do; then I got busy with my research and developed a long-range-plan and a short-range plan, so I could take small daily steps toward achievement.

One of the first things I did was join the Smithsonian Insitution's Open Darkroom Program in Washington, DC where I lived and worked. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The Smithsonian is first-rate and its instructors are fabulous. They taught me more than words can convey and the people who participate in Saturday Open Darkroom are passionistas like me. I have made countless photography friends over the years. I say "friends" because of the camaraderie we developed over pans of chemicals in the darkroom, and during our shooting 'fieldtrips', but also because of the good times shared outside our photography interests. These dear folks hold a special place in my heart because they are kindred spirits.

Taking a class and finding a community of like-minded folks who share your vision, your dream, resolution, and daily goals is one of the surest, happiest ways to make the journey toward achievement and making it a Lifetime Resolution that is with you for good. Give it some thought. A class just might be in your future!

Remember: I Resolve To . . . Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.® It's your choice. Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps: Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily.  Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good! Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey! Let's Go For It!

Need More Inspiration? Wear Your Resolution By Visiting The I Resolve To . . . Shop At CafePress: IResolve To . . . Resolutionista Gear And By Joining The Official I Resolve To . . . Group At Gather.Com. Get going on your 2014 New Year Resolutions with the I Resolve To . . . Work Sheet. View my 2009-2014 Health & Happiness Tapestry by clicking through Daily Resolve Photo-Resolutions.

Kim M. Simpson - December 29, 2013 Copyright © I Resolve To® . . . Inc. * All Rights Reserved.

Daily Resolves Tips For The New Year: Find A Mentor!

Just four days left in 2013!   Are you ready to take a look back at what you achieved in 2013 and a look forward at what you would love to be, see, do, feel, have, achieve in the coming year?  Why not pull out your notebook and your favorite beverage and do some dreaming and planning for what you would love to do in the coming year - 365 opportunities to make those dreams real with small daily steps that add up to big results over time!

With that in mind, I continue my 45-day run up to the New Year, by publishing my 'Best Of' columns since founding I Resolve To . . . in 2005. To view the complete list of my favorite articles, please visit Kim Simpson at Ezine Articles. If you plan to do a little daydreaming about the possibilities, feel free to use the I Resolve To . . . Work Sheet. Click this link for another handy brainstorming tool that I created for choosing the right resolution for you!

Today's food for thought . . .

New Year Resolution Tips - Find a Mentor!  (Re-Print)

Do you have a dream, a New Year resolution, or set of daily goals that seem daunting? Have no fear. You don't have to go it alone. Why not find a buddy to share the journey, take a class to expand your knowledge and make some new friends who share your vision, and seek out a mentor to advise and encourage you? I strongly urge you to take all three steps, as they can be wonderful assets. Taking a class and making new friends probably sound 'easier' than asking someone to take you under his or her wing. But consider this: That person would probably be flattered and enjoy the rewards from teaching and helping, 'if' you are serious about listening, learning and working hard. So be open minded. Give it a try. Find a mentor who can lend inspiration, as you take each small step toward achieving your dreams, resolutions and daily goals. It could be one of the smartest strategic decisions that you make.

Consider this: If we are fortunate, each one of us is given the gift of a teacher who nurtures us while we are young, a college professor who recognizes our talents and prods us to do better, or a boss who is tough, but supportive. If we are lucky we encounter those 'trusted advisors' who pay attention, share their knowledge, and convince us to 'keep going when the going gets tough'. Personally, I have been fortunate in this regard. I have had family members, teachers, college professors, bosses, and colleagues who have offered good advice, cheered me on, and inspired me to do my best throughout my life. They provided friendship, guidance, wisdom, and support. I gladly accepted their generosity and I am a better person thanks their attention and kindness. In return, I 'thank them' in my prayers, count my blessings each and every day, and work hard to make them proud.

So 'how to' cultivate a mentor? At the outset, it is usually someone you already know and it is not as hard as you think to find that wise and trusted counselor. You do have to do some legwork, however, such as thoughtful brainstorming to identify an appropriate person with whom you can partner. Then you have ask. Whether you are enrolled in college courses, taking a cooking glass at a local community college, learning golf, getting in shape at the gym - whatever your interest, passion, dream, resolution, or goal - there is someone out there with the credentials, skills and knowledge that you seek, who would be happy to offer advice, guidance, and encouragement. But you have to measure up. You have to summon the courage to ask for assistance and the gumption to work hard, show integrity, honesty, and discipline - in other words, proof that you are worthy of your mentor's time and attention.

Sounds like a pretty 'high bar to leap over' doesn't it? Maybe. Maybe not. Most mentors, like most folks who care about you, want you to be challenged and to challenge yourself. But they also want you to be realistic about the way you pursue your goals - how you handle your plans, timelines, deadlines, expectations, and so on. They have been there before - made mistakes, learned from them, and climbed the ladder toward success - and they have a lot to share if you are willing to listen and learn. Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to 'listen to someone tell you something you don't necessarily want to hear', but listening and taking advice to both head and heart is the best course of action. Sometimes you may feel that you 'know more' or 'know better'. Regardless, if you humble yourself, be an apprentice, open your mind, listen and learn - you will profit handsomely with rewarding experiences.

Pursue your dreams with passion, patience and persistence, but don't try to go it alone. Your journey will be infinitely easier, more rewarding and enjoyable if you do your homework, find like-minded souls who share your passion, and are willing to ask for help when you really need it. Now put on your thinking cap and create a 'short list' of folks that you trust to 'lend a hand' during your daily journey toward fulfilling your dreams. Find a mentor who inspires you to 'learn, do, create, achieve, and succeed' each and every day!

Remember: I Resolve To . . . Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.® It's your choice. Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps: Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily.  Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good! Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey! Let's Go For It!

Need More Inspiration? Wear Your Resolution By Visiting The I Resolve To . . . Shop At CafePress: IResolve To . . . Resolutionista Gear And By Joining The Official I Resolve To . . . Group At Gather.Com. Get going on your 2014 New Year Resolutions with the I Resolve To . . . Work Sheet. View my 2009-2014 Health & Happiness Tapestry by clicking through Daily Resolve Photo-Resolutions.

Kim M. Simpson - December 28, 2013 Copyright © I Resolve To® . . . Inc. * All Rights Reserved.

Daily Resolves Tips For The New Year: Defuse Resolution Landmines!

Five days until we greet a brand New Year and the countdown rolls on here at I Resolve To . . .  I continue my 45-day run up to the New Year, by publishing my 'Best Of' columns since founding I Resolve To . . . in 2005. To view the complete list of my favorite articles, please visit Kim Simpson at Ezine Articles. If you plan to do a little daydreaming about the possibilities, feel free to use the I Resolve To . . . Work Sheet. Click this link for another handy brainstorming tool that I created for choosing the right resolution for you!

Today's food for thought . . .

I Resolve To . . . Defuse New Year Resolution Landmines!  (Re-Print)

New Year resolutions don't magically transform from nebulous ideas to fast and firm results overnight. They don't become 'real' without careful forethought, clarity of purpose, a common sense system for planning and doing, and lots of elbow grease. If you are noodling some changes that you would love to make, or perhaps a dream that you passionately want to pursue, consider this affirmation as a starting point: I Resolve To . . . Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.

Instead of making a long 'tired' list of negative things that you feel obligated to change in your life - why not change the paradigm, think outside the box, and be willing to color outside the lines. Make just one positive resolution, or pursue one positive theme, which will enable you to learn new things, offer challenge and excitement, and bring happiness, joy and reward to your life. Make a promise to yourself to pursue one resolution 'just for you' in the New Year. If you are not sure what you want to 'resolve', do some brainstorming and create a Lifetime Resolution List consisting of at least 100 things that you would love to do, be, see, feel, experience, create, achieve, learn, try, change, or have in your life. As you brainstorm, ask yourself, if you had all the time, skills, knowledge, money, opportunity, and support in the world, what would you do? No holds barred. List everything large and small, significant and insignificant, realistic, or seemingly unrealistic. This is an exercise in dreaming large, daring to dream the impossible dream, and opening one's mind to all the wonderful possibilities.

Next choose just one large dream ,or theme from your list that truly excites and inspires you - and pursue it with patience, passion and persistence in the coming year. If you need help visualizing a process to launch your effort, wrap your arms around this easy to understand formula: Cherished Dream + Specific One Sentence Resolution + Daily Goals = Success, Achievement & Reward. My personal favorite Lifetime Resolution is to exercise regularly for good health and happiness: I Resolve To . . . Exercise for at least 30-minutes daily by walking, biking, swimming, stretching, doing Yoga, weight training, or playing tennis, so that I can maintain my ideal weight (i.e. 125 pounds), be fit and toned (i.e. look good in my clothes, and feel good about myself), be healthy (i.e. lower my cholesterol and blood pressure), and maintain a good mood and positive outlook.

If you're ready to roll your sleeves up and build a plan - the I Resolve To . . . System For Success is useful for mapping virtually any resolution. The 'Do's' consist of five simple steps for planning and implementing resolutions: Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, And Do It Daily. The 'Don'ts' include five common sense strategies that can help you to avoid obstacles and landmines: Procrastinate, Give In To Fear of Success Or Failure, Get Discouraged, Grow Bored & Weary, Or Give Up. Armed with a Lifetime Resolution List, the I Resolve To . . . Formula and I Resolve To . . . System For Success, you are ready to get moving. Before you begin brainstorming, planning and plotting for the New Year, pay close attention to the following 'Resolution Killers' . . . that way you can render them harmless before they stall your progress.

25 New Year Resolution Landmines:

1. Resolution is too vague. Solution: Create a specific one-sentence resolution that includes the 'how, what & why' of achieving your resolution.
2. Too many resolutions leading to overwhelm and lack of focus. Solution: Make one major, life-altering resolution at a time.
3. Wrong resolution chosen with no thought or analysis. Solution: Do your homework and choose one resolution that evokes passion and interest.
4. Unrealistic expectations - the bar for achievement is set way to high. Solution: Don't bite off more than you can chew, take small steps.
5. Unrealistic tasks. Solution: Take one small step - one daily goal - one day at a time; forget multi-tasking and overniight results.
6. No true desire, commitment, or passion for your resolution. Solution: Desire is key.
7. No research into what is required to achieve the resolution. Solution: Educate yourself about the 'who, what, when, where & why' of achievement.
8. No long and short-range plan. Solution: Build weekly and monthly plans; review and revise goals daily.
9. No Timeline and no deadlines for completing daily tasks. Solution: Build realistic timelines and set deadlines.
10. No Daily Resolution Diary, journal, or written record. Solution: Record your daily journey.
11. No motivation and follow through. Solution: Keep your eye on the prize and reward yourself, often, for accomplishments.
12. No method of measuring progress, determining success, giving reward. Solution: Set specific daily tasks, record progress, and review weekly.
13. No accountability. Solution: A journal, timeline, buddy, family support, and a mentor can help keep you on track.
14. No organization. Solution: Build a written plan, and timeline with deadlines that will create 'structure' for daily tasks.
15. No discipline. Solution: Show up every day whether you want to, or not.
16. No commitment to daily action. Solution: Showing up every day helps make your resolution a permanent (not fleeting) 'daily habit'.
17. No buddies to work with and share ideas. Solution: Make time to cultivate buddies who share your vision and enthusiasm.
18. No mentor, clubs, or classes to provide inspiration and useful information and support. Solution: Join a club, take a class and Identify a mentor.
19. No family support. Solution: Find support from friends, colleagues and mentors; share your journey with like-minded souls.
20. Feelings of being overwhelmed due to no planning. Solution: Build a plan first, then take one small step at a time, one day at a time.
21. Procrastination. Solution: Get moving - 'just do it' - start with the easy tasks first and build momentum toward the tougher tasks.
22. Fear of success. Solution: "Yes", life will change as you make progress toward achieving your dream - embrace change and fear that comes with it.
23. Fear of failure. Solution: Embrace failure, learn from your mistakes, and move forward (failing isn't the end of the world).
24. Inability to let go of past failures and mistakes, learn lessons and move forward. Solution: Learn your lessons, let the failures go, and move on.
25. Failure to celebrate and build on each success. Solution: Celebrate your accomplishments & reap the rewards - success breeds success.

Remember: I Resolve To . . . Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.® It's your choice. Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps: Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily.  Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good! Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey! Let's Go For It!

Need More Inspiration? Wear Your Resolution By Visiting The I Resolve To . . . Shop At CafePress: IResolve To . . . Resolutionista Gear And By Joining The Official I Resolve To . . . Group At Gather.Com. Get going on your 2014 New Year Resolutions with the I Resolve To . . . Work Sheet. View my 2009-2014 Health & Happiness Tapestry by clicking through Daily Resolve Photo-Resolutions.

Kim M. Simpson - December 27, 2013 Copyright © I Resolve To® . . . Inc. * All Rights Reserved.

Daily Resolves Tips For The New Year: Simplify Life!

Believe it, or not, just six days remain in 2013!  The countdown to the New Year continues here at I Resolve To . . . In November and December I have provided a 45-day run up to the New Year, by publishing my 'Best Of' columns since founding I Resolve To . . . in 2005. To view the complete list of my favorite articles, please visit Kim Simpson at Ezine Articles. If you plan to do a little daydreaming about the possibilities, feel free to use the I Resolve To . . . Work Sheet. Click this link for another handy brainstorming tool that I created for choosing the right resolution for you!

Today's food for thought . . .

Small Daily Steps Toward Resolutions and Goals Add Up - Start Off Right by Simplifying Your Life!  (Re-Print)

"Keep it simple" is a phrase used in so many different ways. It is good advice that applies to many day-to-day activities. When making my New Year resolutions, for instance, I find that 'keeping it simple' helps me to be very clear and concise about my intentions, planning and implementation. My effort to do at least one thing for health and happiness each and every day is another good example of my determination to 'keep it simple' in 2009. I do at least one thing each and every day for health and happiness - goals and tasks ranging from exercise and eating healthy food to writing daily and shooting photographs (two of my passions). Often I discover that I have taken 10, 20, 30, or more small steps toward health and happiness after that initial 'one step'. Another example: A nice, clean, simple desk helps to keep me focused and on-task during the workday. That is why I make a point to clear my desk before I 'call it a day'. A clear desk in the morning helps me to work efficiently and maintain organization in my tasks.

I intend to apply that same concept to my overall day-to-day activities. This year I am making a concerted effort to 'Simplify My Life', identify what is truly important, and focus less on what is 'not important' - as part of my 365-day effort to take small, measurable, manageable, steps toward my dreams, resolutions and daily goals. Here is my preliminary Top 10 List Of Ways To Simplify My Life, in random order - most intentions have been underway since last Fall:

1. Get rid of the stuff I don't need or use. This is a room-by-room project that I am implementing throughout the year in an effort to better organize my house, make it more serene, and user-friendly.

2. De-clutter and organize my house during Spring and Summer cleaning. I need to tackle my utility room and shed. Better organization will make it easier to find things.

3. Stop buying unnecessary stuff. I already have enough!

4. Re-organize my office. My desk is clean, but it's time to focus on shelves and closets. Ten years ago, I truly simplified by incorporating my 'office and work' into my home and I continue to work from home much of the time.

5. Reduce my magazine subscriptions, and have newspapers delivered strictly on Saturday and Sunday, to free up more of my time (too many newspapers and magazines are going un-read).

6. Make time for 'me' to walk, exercise, read, relax, take small adventures, shoot photos, write, and do all the things I 'love to do'. It's time to spend more time on 'me', period. "Taking good care of yourself is not selfish." Repeat that mantra as many times as it is necessary to live it day-to-day.

7. Review how I am spending my valuable time at work, at home, at play and set priorities. There are only 24-hours in the day and my time is worth its weight in gold. Once it is spent, I can never 'go back for seconds'. Spend time wisely!

8. Make time to meditate, do Yoga, slow down, and live more consciously and deliberately - in the moment - every single day, not just 'occasionally'.

9. Pay attention to 'all things great and small' in my day: Stop to smell the roses, listen to the birds, listen to the music, give more hugs, show more smiles, and really participate. No sleep-walking allowed.

10. Organize and de-clutter my computer and all my electronics. A recent computer crash is giving this task a greater sense of urgency!

Remember: I Resolve To . . . Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.® It's your choice. Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps: Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily.  Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good! Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey! Let's Go For It!

Need More Inspiration? Wear Your Resolution By Visiting The I Resolve To . . . Shop At CafePress: IResolve To . . . Resolutionista Gear And By Joining The Official I Resolve To . . . Group At Gather.Com. Get going on your 2014 New Year Resolutions with the I Resolve To . . . Work Sheet. View my 2009-2014 Health & Happiness Tapestry by clicking through Daily Resolve Photo-Resolutions.

Kim M. Simpson - December 26, 2013 Copyright © I Resolve To® . . . Inc. * All Rights Reserved.

Daily Resolves Tips For The New Year: Boost Productivity By De-Cluttering!

Here is to a very Merry Christmas and a fabulous New Year.  Just seven days left in 2013!   Are you ready to take a look back at what you achieved in 2013 and a look forward at what you would love to be, see, do, feel, have, achieve in the coming year.  No time to wasete.  Pull out your notebook and your favorite beverage and do some dreaming and planning for what you would love to do in the coming year - 365 opportunities to make those dreams real with small daily steps that add up to big results over time!

With that in mind, I continue my 45-day run up to the New Year, by publishing my 'Best Of' columns since founding I Resolve To . . . in 2005. To view the complete list of my favorite articles, please visit Kim Simpson at Ezine Articles. If you plan to do a little daydreaming about the possibilities, feel free to use the I Resolve To . . . Work Sheet. Click this link for another handy brainstorming tool that I created for choosing the right resolution for you!

Today's food for thought . . .

Small Daily Steps Toward Goals & Resolutions Add Up - Boost Productivity by De-Cluttering!  (Re-Print)

"Where in the world is _____________!?!" How many times each day do you ask yourself that question, while at work, at home, at school, or at play? Clutter and disorganization can be frustrating roadblocks for productivity, the joy of accomplishment and peace of mind. When you can't put your hands on the tools you need to achieve, it can be an impediment to success with work and home projects, hobbies, school - and 'yes', New Year Resolutions, dreams and daily goals. Why not make a firm decision today to eliminate 'clutter and disorganization' one room at a time - the office, for instance. If you can't wrap your arms and head around one room because the challenge is simply too daunting, start with one drawer, one closet, or one bookshelf. Tackle 'de-cluttering' one small step at a time, one day at a time, and rack up big results over the long haul!

I intend to 'Maintain A Clutter-Free Office and Home', as part of my 365-day effort to take small, proactive, focused, measurable, manageable, steps toward my dreams, resolutions and daily goals. I view this resolution, as a way to build more serenity into my day and promote productivity with virtually all of my projects. If you are interested in making your own 'De-Clutter Resolution', here are five simple, common sense steps that can serve as a launching pad:

1. Dare To Dream: Open yourself to the possibilities. Imagine what your house, or office, would look like tidy, clean, de-cluttered and organized. With that image in mind, believe that you can 'make it happen' and you will succeed with a practical plan and plenty of elbow grease.
2. Decide: Make a firm promise to yourself to toss the trash (old, worn out stuff that no longer serves a useful purpose); give away, or recycle items that go un-used by 'you', but would be useful to someone else; and organize the rest of your possessions.
3. Define: In one sentence, specifically outline your intention, such as, "I resolve to clean, de-clutter, and organize my home, garage and shed one room, one closet, one drawer at a time by tossing trash, recycling or giving away worthy goods, and organizing the possessions that I use daily, or weekly."
4. Develop A Plan: Do your homework. Room by room, assess the job at hand, then build a simple list that outlines the necessary tasks for each room, as well as the 'what and how' of tackling those tasks. The list serves as a wonderful way to maintain accountability and build enthusiasm and motivation as each room, drawer, closet, or cupboard is checked off.
5. Do It Daily: Don't set yourself up for failure by trying to tackle an entire 'declutter-organize project' overnight. Instead, approach the list systematically, one small project at a time, one day at a time. Each completed project soon builds into a cascade of wonderful results that you can see, feel, and experience. A clean, organized, spacious home, or office, gradually appears over time!

To be fair, most of the rooms in my house are neat and organized because I segregate the piles in specific places like the office, utility room, garage, and family room (where I keep most things neatly stacked). I actually enjoy cleaning and make it a priority most of the time, but there is always room for improvement, especially when I get busy and fall behind. The ultimate goal behind my 'De-Clutter Resolution' is to organize in 2009, so that on-going maintenance in 2010 will be a snap!

Remember: I Resolve To . . . Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.® It's your choice. Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps: Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily.  Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good! Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey! Let's Go For It!

Need More Inspiration? Wear Your Resolution By Visiting The I Resolve To . . . Shop At CafePress: IResolve To . . . Resolutionista Gear And By Joining The Official I Resolve To . . . Group At Gather.Com. Get going on your 2014 New Year Resolutions with the I Resolve To . . . Work Sheet. View my 2009-2014 Health & Happiness Tapestry by clicking through Daily Resolve Photo-Resolutions.

Kim M. Simpson - December 25, 2013 Copyright © I Resolve To® . . . Inc. * All Rights Reserved.