The New Year marks a time when most of us re-evaluate our lives – where we have been and where we are going. Most of us make resolutions for the New Year, and most of us also fail at keeping them. Why is this?

Could it be that most of us set unrealistic goals and then find ourselves overwhelmed once we get started? Did we make our resolutions in haste without thinking things through? Did we resolve to change way too much, biting off more than we could chew?

Whatever the reason for the failure of past resolutions, this could be the year we turn the tide. In fact, why not make 2010 “The New You” Year? Now is the perfect time to break free of old patterns that no longer serve you and trade them for healthy ones. As you shake off the dander of 2009, this time of new beginnings is most auspicious for a positive change.

Some people resolve to walk the dog more or clean out the garage. While these are valid things to try and fix, why not turn the focus inward instead of outward? We spend so much time taking care of the kids and our significant others plus juggling work that we often forget to make time to take care of ourselves properly. How long have you been meaning to eat better but keep stopping at Taco Bell just because it’s easier and faster? You really meant to start going to the gym after work, but something else came up, right?

Start by keeping your resolutions simple and specific. Setting the specific intention to take better care of yourself is a great place to start. But how do you actually keep it up? Start off by getting specific on what aspects you want to work on this year. The clearer you are, the easier it is to get started. For example, it isn’t enough to say you want to lose weight. How do you plan to lose weight? You could begin by planning to exercise more often.

Write your resolution on paper in small, achievable steps – less daunting and easier to keep on track. As you cross off steps to your goal, you have tangible proof you are succeeding. What better motivator than tangible success? Take for example your exercise resolution: Start off by making a list of gyms in your area you’re considering. Go to these gyms and get membership information. Select a trainer that suits your budget and needs. Sign up for a gym membership.

By breaking down your resolution into small steps on paper and keeping it simple, you’ll find it less overwhelming than setting many trivial goals with no thought-out plan. Your chance of achieving that “New You” will be much greater.