The tradition of the New Year's Resolution started literally thousands of years ago. And it makes sense… A fresh New Year deserves a fresh new start and a whole new you, right? I don't know how many resolutions were on that first list But I am sure that there is a direct link between the length of the list and the collapse of the "new you."

To ensure success, this year try a new method for change. Throw all of your power, intellect and emotion behind just one very important and deliberate resolution. Here is a step-by-step outline for you to follow:

Choosing Your Resolution

1. Sit down and write that list you've been thinking about. Write down every little change that you'd like to make, no matter how large or small it is.
2. Spend some time mulling over you list. Think about how you would make those changes and the impact that each one would have on your life.
3. Now you have to prioritize. Which ONE thing on your list is most important to you? Which will affect your life in the most positive way? Got it? Alright! Now it's time to make another list.

Creating Your Action Plan

1. Sit down with your pen and paper again and make a step-by-step plan to achieve your goal.
2. Set deadlines and milestones that are realistic and designed to keep you on track (not ones that could be perceived as a set-up for failure).

Let's say that my list this year looked like this:

• Lose weight
• Get out of debt
• Get the house under control
• Get a new job

If I were to chose "Get out of debt" as my resolution for the year, this is what my action plan would look like:

1. Identify all of my debtors (on paper)
2. How much do I owe each one
3. How much is my interest rate for each debt (credit card)
4. Figure out a cash budget for yourself, paying your rent, and the essentials (do this on paper too). Find places where you can cut back.
5. The money that is leftover after essential should all go toward paying down your debt. Pay the minimum on all of the lowest interest rate cards. Take the rest and put down a lump sum toward the card with the highest rate of interest.
6. Once the highest interest card is paid off, start working on the next card until your debt is all paid off.

Your small supporting monthly goal could be to give up an expensive habit (espresso's anyone?) and put the money from that toward your debt. Milestones would be easy with this one… a card paid off! Cut up the card in a special ceremony! Always make sure to pay, at least, the minimum on your debt on time each month so that you do not accrue late fees sabotaging your efforts. I actually did this about 10 years ago. It is hard, but very satisfying! As I paid off each card, I was able to pay even more toward the next card so each one gets paid down faster than the card before.

You've probably heard that it takes 21 days to make or break a habit. That is because, good or bad, people don't like change. I'm sure it's a biological force in action. Bears, for example, once they find food somewhere, revisit that same spot at the same time everyday for a while. They have to NOT find food there many times before they will give up on it.

So, knowing up front that you are fighting nature to make any change, it is a good idea to take some time to write down WHY you are making that change! Also note what benefits you hope to experience from the change. For example (these are my "why's," they may be different for you. Make sure that they are powerful enough to propel you forward in your goal):

Being in debt makes me feel:

• stressed out
• like I'm failing
• hopeless! As the interest racks up, I feel like I'll never get out of debt
• stupid, I'm working to pay interest

Getting out of debt will:

• take away stress in my life
• make me a better (more attractive) life partner
• make me feel successful
• make me feel powerful and in control of my future
• allow me to save for my future (a house, wedding, retirement)

Once you achieve your goal, you can go back to your list of resolutions, revise it and start on a new goal. But the power of working on one really important change at a time will bring you into focus, make you feel successful and improve your life in a real and concrete way. That will make 2008 a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!