There are two common detours that people tend to make before they create their New Year resolutions. First, they think about what they should do, instead of what they really want to do. Second, they think about what they should stop doing, instead of what they want to achieve. To be successful, you need to want it more than you want your next breath. Here are eight rules for creating successful New Year Resolutions.

Rule 1: Commit to Your Resolution(s). Successful resolutions start with a strong commitment to make a change. To succeed, you must believe that you can accomplish what you set out to achieve. So, keep the following points in mind when you set them:

Choose resolutions that you really want to achieve and make them positive.

Don't leave your choice of resolution to the last minute.

Take time to think about your goals. If you don't, you risk reacting to your current environment and missing the bigger picture.

Questions to ask yourself to determine if you can take ownership of your resolution include:

• Is this resolution my idea or someone else's?

• Does this resolution motivate and invigorate me?

• Does this resolution align with other factors in my life, such as my values and long-term plans?

Tip: Visualization is a powerful technique for helping you commit to your goals or resolutions. Try picturing yourself having attained your goal. How do you feel? How do you look? How do others react to you?

Rule 2: Be Realistic. The key to achieving goals is motivation; but you risk failing if you set the bar too high. Consider carefully before setting the same resolution you set last year. If it didn't work then, you need to make sure that there is a good reason to believe that you can achieve it this year. What has changed?

Rule 3: Write It Down. Put your resolution(s) in writing. It's a simple but powerful technique for making your goal real. There is something inside us that responds with more commitment and drive when we take the time to do this.

Rule 4: Make a Plan. Start by envisioning where you want to be. Then work back along your path to where you are today. Write down all of the milestones you'll need to achieve in between. Decide what you'll do to accomplish each of these milestones. You need to know each step and have a plan for what comes next.

Rule 5: Be Flexible. Not everything will work out precisely the way that you planned. So, remain flexible and adaptable by following these steps:

• Try to predict some of the challenges that you'll face. Make a contingency plan for the ones that have the highest probability of failure, and mentally prepare yourself for the others.

• Realize that your resolution itself might change along the way; that's not failure, it's reality.

Tip: There is no fixed rule saying that a resolution must be set in January. If your circumstances say it’s better to wait until March, then by all means do so.

Rule 6: Use Reminders. It can be hard to keep focused on your plan if you have other commitments, responsibilities, and obligations. Develop a formal reminder system to stay on top of your resolution(s). Do this by taking the following into consideration:

• Have your written resolutions visible.

• Set up reminders for the things you need to accomplish to achieve your goals on your desktop calendar.

Rule 7: Track Your Progress. You need to know when each milestone is accomplished. Your excitement around the little successes will keep you motivated and keep you pushing forwards.

• Use a journal to track your progress.

• Note when you felt pleased with your efforts.

• Note when you felt down or felt like quitting.

• Look back at your entries on a regular basis and learn from your experiences.

Rule 8: Reward Yourself. Even the most committed person needs a boost. When you are developing your plan, make a note of some milestones where you will reward yourself once they are achieved.