So, you've decided to make a New Year's resolution. You write it down, tell everyone about it, and then break it three days later. Then, you spend the next six weeks beating yourself up because you're such a failure. However, you aren't the problem; your resolutions are. Setting resolutions just doesn't work for most people. Instead, why not try a combination of affirmations and general goal setting.

Instead of saying you aren't going to smoke any more and becoming frustrated when you give in to your caffeine addiction two days later, set a goal of stopping your habit by the same time next year. Write your goal in your nicest writing on a good piece of paper. Then, below the goal, write some affirmations.

Affirmations are an important part of goal setting because many times you have to believe you deserve to reach your goal before you achieve it. If using affirmations sounds silly, think of it as prophesying your future or blessing your life.

If you are writing affirmations for stopping that smoking addiction, you might use: 1. I deserve to stop smoking so that I can be healthy. 2. I don't even like smoking. 3. I will stop smoking by next year. 4. I won't even crave a cigarette.

Now, tape that goal sheet up beside the bathroom mirror. Every day, look at your goal and then look your reflection straight in the eye and repeat your affirmations out loud in a firm voice. The first few times, you'll probably be so afraid people will overhear you that you'll be tempted to whisper, but eventually, it will get easier.

Finally, don't be discouraged if you don't see any results right away. If you do feel a bit down about your lack of success, just repeat your affirmations another few times. After all, if kids can do poorly in school because people keep telling them they're not smart, it makes sense that you can reverse the process and fulfill good expectations, even if they are your own.