New years resolutions, in theory they aren't a bad thing. But we need to learn how to make them correctly so we can actually achieve some of them. So this year, I'm challenging you to change your resolution setting mindset. Put down last year's list, you're going to make a new one!

Goals and lists are the peanut butter and jelly to the sandwich of my life. I don't always accomplish all my goals (though I hardly consider that a bad thing), but the sheer act of putting pen down to paper and telling myself I should strive towards x, y and z helps me infinitely.

I don't understand when people talk about how they don't think writing down goals helps you accomplish anything. How can NOT help is the real question here.

There are some prereqs of course for goal setting. I think these are what hold people back the most. If you are going to set goals, then you should be able to face the fact that you might not accomplish them. Some people hate failing, and this is a contributing factor to their not setting goals.

To set good goals, you have to be able to separate the idea of tying failing to being a failure. The only real thing that failing means is that 1) you put forth effort and 2) you learned something from the experience. One fail, two fails, 100 fails-- none of these equal failure.

Failure is when you either fail to try at all, or you try and and fail and then give up.

So now that we all agree to let go of the idea that failing equals failure, lets talk about another prereq for goal setting.

You must be willing to actually write your goal down. I know that sounds soooo out dated for modern technology, but I believe heavily in the idea that you have got to put your goals down and make them official. You gotta write them down, and then put that piece of paper somewhere you will see it frequently.

goals, they are there. You have spoken them into being and now its up to you whether you will accomplish them, attempt them, or ignore them.

I hope you take your resolutions seriously this year. I think resolutions can bring about so many good habits and lifestyle changes. Be mindful, be serious, and rock those resolutions!