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It is early January and you cannot miss the blogs, magazine articles, news stories, and advice from those of all walks of life on the “Top Ways To…” insert whatever the particular New Year’s Resolution might be.

A few of the annual resolution topics are as follows:

• weight loss
• become more organized
• save more money
• stop smoking
• better fitness and health
• spend more time with family

Again and again these topics appear on the list as most often selected by the general population to resolve to achieve.  The reality is less than 10% of people ever achieve the resolutions they absolutely intend to!

There are numerous reasons why the failure rate is so high, here are a few:

• too many resolutions are selected
• lack of accountability
• do not create a plan of action
• fall into the regular routine
• not keeping the change at top of mind

Here is a suggestion if you identify with this discussion in your business or personal life.

Why not select one specific item you wish to change or goal to obtain?

For example:

• learn to speak a new language
• complete a course or training in a skill
• smile more often

These are examples, you should create your own. By identifying one specific thing to accomplish you will be way ahead of the game.

Next create a time-frame for when you wish to accomplish the goal.  For example: if the goal is to speak a new language, for the majority of people a time frame of one week would be too short a time frame. Therefore the time frame must be a realistic and achievable time frame for you.

Once the time frame is established create smaller steps or goals to accomplish along the way to completing the big goal. Each of these steps should have a time frame for achievement associated with it.

At this point an accountability process needs to be set up. This may be with another person who has a similar goal or with a professional coach. The failure to attach accountability to this process will likely lead to failure in achieving the goal.

Take the opportunity to try these easy steps and follow the process. Have fun along the road to your goal.

Mitch Tublin is an advanced certified executive and personal coach who resides in Stamford, CT.