So, let us compare our lists of things to do this 2012:

EXERCISE MORE and Lose Weight
SAVE MORE. EARN MORE AND Pay off Debts
SPEND MORE TIME WITH FAMILY
CUT OFF THE ALCOHOL
QUIT SMOKING

Essentially, we all want a better life.

At least, those of us who still have hope that we can have a better life. But between writing those resolutions and actually committing to them is a long road of dealing with and overcoming deeply ingrained habits which are truly difficult to overcome.

The main difference between a resolution and a goal is that level of belief and commitment you put into the task.

To lose weight is a resolution, but to start a new diet and commit to exercise in order to lose 50 pounds is a goal.

To save more is a resolution; to give up a luxury car and commute in order to 25000 dollar debt is a goal.

To cut off alcohol is a resolution; to find new set of friends who don’t drink is a goal.

Resolutions set the tone of your directions this year but goals provide a pathway. Resolution is like starting the engine of your car but goals provide the road to take.

According to Wikipedia, “recent research shows that while 52% of participants in a resolution study were confident of success with their goals, only 12% actually achieved their goals. A separate study in 2007 by Richard Wisemen from the University of Bristol showed that 78% of those who set New Year resolutions fail, and those who succeed have 5 traits in common. Men achieved their goal 22% more often when they engaged in goal setting, (a system where small measurable goals are being set; such as, a pound a week, instead of saying "lose weight"), while women succeeded 10% more when they made their goals public and got support from their friends.”

That piece of statistics can give you a hint when it comes to making resolutions: make them achievable and clear by setting goals; and enlist a support system.

Frank Ra (author of the new year's resolution book "A course in happiness" said that resolutions are more sustainable when shared, both in terms of with whom you share the benefits of your resolution, and with whom you share the path of maintaining your resolution. Peer-support makes a difference in success rate with new year's resolutions".

Author's Bio: 

Cathrine Margit Moller was born and raised in Denmark
She began her career in radio and television, and worked in that capacity until moving to Canada in 1998.

For the past twenty-six years, she has pursued a career in the healing arts at the same time, focusing on alternative health care and healing. By training under some of the leading wellness experts in the world, Cathrine keeps escalating her quest toward personal excellence, so she can offer you the best of the healing arts. This has included studies in Denmark, the U.S., Canada, and England, studying under leading experts in alternative medicine.

Her background in hypnotherapy is extensive. In 1999, she was certified Hypnotist by the 'National Guild of Hypnotists' and certified Master Hypnotist at the 'Ontario Hypnosis Centre' in 2000. Her work in hypnosis and hypnotherapy is diverse, and includes clinical use of hypnosis designed to empower her clients in areas ranging from the stresses and problems of their everyday lives, to past life regressions, and Self-Hypnosis training. She has also been certified as a hypnocoach by Dr. Lisa Halpin.
Her expertise also includes Somatic Healing, Reconnective Healing, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), NGH, and Reiki, all of which offer powerful but simple solutions to a range of physical and emotional issues. She also offers NLP, which offers additional access to identifying self-limiting behaviors. These techniques are discussed at more length elsewhere on this site.

Her Personal Mission Statement
Cathrine sees people as incredible beings of infinite potential, whom she can empower and guide toward fulfilling on their goals and their dreams. As an Intuitive, Cathrine knows the Universe and trusts it to steer her in the right direction. Her goal is to help people, and enable them to find their full potential, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Her greatest joy is in seeing a person evolve into all they can become, on every level.

She looks for the miracles in everyday life, and uses them to connect strongly to the forces that enable her to tap into the forces that have shaped a person’s life. As an intuitive, she uses her abilities to uncover the old and unproductive patterns that keep people “stuck,” working with them to purge the unproductive patterns that entrap them.

Cathrine’s own life has had personal challenges that have informed and transformed her, the most significant being when she was diagnosed with apparent MS. Rather than regarding this as a limitation, she has embraced it and used for personal transformation. Working with it in her personal practice, she has not only brought herself back to good health, but has used it to inform and illuminate her life’s path