Along with family, friends, and festivities, the holiday season is a time for new beginnings and new resolutions.  As we approach a new year, it is important to reflect on what we have accomplished in the past year and where we would like the future to take us. Terri Savelle Foy, a Life Coach, and author of Make Your Dreams Bigger than Your Memories, travels around the country speaking to audiences on the importance of setting and keeping goals.

Here are some valuable tips on how to make and keep your 2012 New Year’s resolutions. According to Terri, 4 out of 5 people who make New Year’s resolutions this month will eventually break them.  In fact, 1/3 won’t even make it to the end of January!  In order to achieve your goals, Terri stresses the importance of not repeating the same mistakes as last year.

"If you struggled in an area last year, make up your mind that you will defeat this thing and get in the best shape of your life," said Terri.  Here are some guidelines that Terri suggests to remember as you start thinking about your goals:

• New Year's goals must be in writing. "Goals that are not written down are just wishes."
• New Year's goals must be measurable.  There’s a big difference in saying, "I want to lose weight" and saying "I will lose 10 pounds by March 1."  Your goals must be measured by something; this is what increases your chances of achieving them.
• New Year's goals must be realistic. If your goals are completely unrealistic, then you’re setting yourself up for defeat.  Be practical.
• New Year's goals must have a deadline.  You will be more determined to achieve your goal when you have a deadline.  Always assign a deadline to your goals.  It's energizing and motivating.
• Reward yourself when you reach certain milestones toward your goal. If your goal is to lose 50 pounds, reward your progress and treat yourself when you reach 10 pounds.  This will keep you motivated and help keep your momentum going.
• Put yourself in situations that will be conducive to reaching your goals. Surround yourself with positive people who will help you achieve your goals.  If your goal is to save money, don’t go out with friends who are lavish spenders.

Good luck setting and reaching your goals in the New Year!