In a couple weeks, we'll be heading into the second half of 2005. How are you doing on those New Year's resolutions?

What were they?

Think back for a minute at how committed you were to achieving them. (And if you have achieved them, congratulations!)

If you're like most people, however, all that commitment, all that resolve, turned into more frustration than results.

Maybe it started with one little slip. One day of not exercising. One chocolate, one cigarette. Or a pair of really fabulous shoes that seemed much more important than your studio rent.

Before you knew it, those well-intentioned resolutions were a thing of the past. What on earth went wrong?

This time, instead of looking back at your frustration, why not focus your energy on figuring out how to achieve your goals? Here are a few suggestions that just might help you get there:

1 - Find a goal that inspires you

What do you really want to accomplish? Is it your goal, or someone else's? How will your day-to-day life change when you achieve that goal?

What effect will it have on you, or those around you, if you don't get there?

Does your goal give you an opportunity to grow? To be creative? To develop into a better you?

When you find a goal that seems right, feel into it. Do you sincerely believe you can achieve it? When you think about your goal, does it really excite you? Give you energy? Is a smile starting to light up your face? If so, you've probably found a goal that won't lead to frustration. So go for it!

2 - Take one small action every day

Most worthwhile goals aren't achieved overnight. So it's helpful to find ways to keep your momentum going. Suggestion? Every single day, do at least one thing that will get you closer to your goal.

Make a phone call

Find an organization that can help, and ask for information

Write in your journal

Read about your goal

Keep a chart of your progress

Make a list of your successes

Join an online support group

Pat yourself on the back (or get someone else to pat you on the back!)

Don't let a day go by without doing something - even a teensy weensy little something - toward your goal. You'll find it really adds up.

3 - Get the word out

Over and over, research has shown that people who tell others about their goals are more successful at achieving them. So don't keep it to yourself - tell the world what you're up to!

Share your struggles, and your successes. Ask for help when you need it. Even better, help someone else achieve their goal. Find as many ways as you can to broadcast your commitment.

Are you going to stumble along the way? Maybe so. But if you've got the right goal - and the right tools - you'll get there.

And with any luck at all, you'll be there long before it's time to make your resolutions for next year.