Happy 2008!

With the start of a New Year, many people make resolutions. To lose weight. To exercise more. To be a nicer person. To take better care of health.

Although it's good to set healthful, positive goals for ourselves, all too often they are intrinsically made to fail.

Why?

Resolutions are often "all or nothing." Losing 50 pounds. Running a marathon. Going to the gym 5 times a week. Throwing oneself into a nearly full-time volunteer activity.

Meaningful resolutions are those that help us build "muscles" -- that is, a better way to approach resolutions is to take them step-by-step, day-by-day.

Want to lose lots of weight?

Think of it as one pound at a time, and modifying diet one day at a time.

Want to run a marathon?

Build up stamina and strength by training gradually and consistently -- within the boundaries of your other responsibilities.

Want to "be a nicer person?"

Approach good works one activity at a time, in a way so that you don't resent the time and effort, but rather can bring God into your work and reach out to others, strangers and those people you already know.

Finally, presenting resolutions in a positive light is a good way to lift the burden of "oh, I'm sure I'm not going to be able to keep this up," and raise your spirits and expectations as New Year's Day gives way to the other 366 days of 2008.

Yes, we can achieve our good goals! And this time next year, we can celebrate our achievements and move on to more the next New Year!