Yes, it’s January. Yes, it’s the New Year. So, yes, it seems like it’s the natural time to start making those pesky resolutions everyone seems to be talking about all around you; but, maybe not.

I, for one, believe setting a few goals for the New Year makes more sense than making a laundry list of resolutions that I know, from the get-go, I will not keep. So, how shall we go about this task?

First, keep it simple. Let’s not try to conquer the world. Start with a list of no more than a dozen (one a month average) goals.  Whittle that down to no more than eight (2/3 per month average) with six (1/2 per month average) being optimal to achieve for the entire year. That’s right, we’re talking about minimizing what’s on the list, not maximizing.

Second, prioritize your goals and establish your focus. As you achieve a goal, celebrate, then move onto the next goal quickly. The sense of accomplishment from each achievement will propel you forward with greater momentum as you move forward throughout the year. Some goals run concurrently such as saving money and losing weight because they’re not directly related. However, related goals need to be prioritized dependent on their relationship, e.g., achieving the goal of saving $2,000 for a down payment on a car comes before the goal of buying the car.

Third, give yourself a break if/when you stumble. Remember, having a bad day doesn’t mean you’re having a bad life so if/when your impulses get the better of you, feel free to reset your goal. Start over the next day.

It’s ok to believe in your ability to make your dreams a reality each and every day.