Sticking to those New Year’s Resolutions, how’s that going for ya? About as well as mine are, I’m sure. Mine, to get back into decent shape and better manage my family’s money, are still in that ambiguous period where “It’s still early in the year, I have plenty of time to start” and where my sorry attempts to be “resolved” are only serving to make me realize what a schmuck I am for not having stuck to what I said I would just three short months ago.

I’m writing this article as much for me as I am for you because I need to get on track, I need to refocus, I need to rededicate, and I need to get better. Let’s review these tips for sticking to those nagging New Year’s Resolutions together, shall we?  I'm paying as much attention as you are, so wake up!

For The Love of G-d, Make It a Resolution You Can Stick To! Sometimes people get a little, well, bulbous about how grandiose their resolutions are going to be (see December 31, 11:59 pm for a refresher) and set themselves up for failure. A resolution to become a black belt in Tae Kwon Do is doable, sure, but is it realistic? Enrolling in a once-a-week Tae Kwon Do class to start your path toward a black belt is realistic.

Gimme The Details, I Need Details. My problem with my resolution of getting in shape is that it has no end.  What does “getting in shape” mean? Being able to do 60 minutes on the glider at level 20 while juggling tangerines and a Shar-Pei and still having energy to bench 275? Or being able to make it through a spinning class at the gym without turning various shades of plaid? Without a specific, firmly defined goal, I wander aimlessly around the gym, hoping “getting in shape” will just happen. It won’t. Losing 15 pounds. That's specific.  Completing a half-marathon without stopping is specific. Getting fit. Not specific.

Join the Rewards Club. Motivation is essential to success in anything.  Giving yourself a little biscuit, a treat for being good, is the type of motivation most guys can believe in. But keep that treat within reason, because where I run afoul is when I say that I’m going to better manage my money, then finish the month with a few hundred extra dollars, only to blow it on a case of wine (as you hear me desperately justifying this to my wife, “But it was 40% off the regular price, baby! I got an incredible deal!  And we can share the wine together!”). Buying a bottle or two is within reason; buying a case is stone-cold stupid.  Everything in moderation, my brothers.

Are We There Yet?  How ‘Bout Now? Now? How ‘Bout Now?  My problem with “I want to get in shape in 2008” is this – exactly when in 2008 do I expect that to happen? December 29^th? That’s why I’m procrastinating so much, because without a firm schedule and timeline, there I am again wandering aimlessly around the gym, still hoping “getting in shape” will broadside me and all will be great. Yeah, you know how this movie ends and it doesn't get any better. Instead, a realistic, firm set of achievable dates will fix this problem.

So what am I gonna do? I’m going to lose seven lbs by April 31st. Done. And I’m going to finish April with $200 in extra cash, without dipping into my cash savings to make it happen. And I'm not gonna blow it on wine, a tie, a pair of shoes, playoff tickets for my beloved Wizards, or anything else.

There.That felt better. I can smile again. My chest doesn’t feel as tight. My shoulders feel looser.  My head doesn't ache.  I believe I see unicorns and CareBears prancing beneath rainbows in a meadow of daisies and chrysanthemums! I feel kinda high! This is great!

Oh, right. Crap. I actually have to do this stuff. I told you I’d do it, now I have to deliver. I’ll report back. Hey, and if I’m gonna do this, then you have to stick to your resolutions.  It ain't gonna "just happen" for either you or me. Trust me, I've seen this movie.  I know how it ends.  Now let's kick ass before another year goes by and I'm still a schmuck...which may never change, actually.