I'm one whose resolutions are rarely kept past the first of March. One that I have kept (well, mostly kept) was made in 2004; that was to keep a record of all books read during the year. I posted them in
a blog I set up for documenting the books I've been reading. In 2006, my online record only goes through June, and I didn't post any of the book information online in 2007. I've been trying to reconstruct these lists from forum posts, e-mails, journals, etc. Since I missed the lists at the end of 2007, I renewed my determination to record every book and I've kept a very detailed list on my laptop this year. Each quarter, I transfer the information to the blog.
One wise person recommends setting new
goals or
wishes instead of resolutions. Just changing the term might promise more success. After all, we're very familiar with "broken resolutions", but I can't think of similar terms for not achieving or following through with goals or wishes.
You might make a list of 10 goals for the coming year. You could even make ten wishes in each of many categories of importance in your life. Julia Cameron, in The Artist's Way, suggests health, possessions, leisure, relationships, creativity, career, and spirituality. Or you could use Stephen Covey's categories: physical, mental, emotional/social and spiritual.
And, if you're sure you're going to break some of your resolutions, pick some absolutely stupendous ones. I think I'll choose "travel in space" as a resolution that I'm sure will be broken.
@ShortNCuddlyAm: I know a lot of people who choose new goals at times other than New Year's Day. Candlemas (February 2) is a popular date.