It's a new year and you want to change your life for the better.  It's an admirable goal.  But how do you do it?

One thing to keep in mind is that it takes time to develop new habits.  If you can maintain a new behavior for at least 3 weeks, it is more likely to stick.  Also, we are more likely to keep doing those things that are easy, routine, and in the front of our minds. So, here are some tips:

• If you want to make new tasks part of your life, post your routine somewhere you'll see it.  For example, if you want to keep your house cleaner, post a chore list on the fridge.
• Make the desired behavior as easy as possible.  If you want to eat healthier, keep healthy foods handy.  If you have carrot sticks and fresh fruit in the house and you have to go out to get ice cream, you are more likely to eat the healthy food.  Also, if you want to be a better correspondent, keep stationery or note cards, along with address labels and stamps, in a handy place.
• Trade resolutions with a friend and have him or her offer support, encouragement, and accountability.
• Keep everything you need for a resolution in the same accessible place.  Don't make it harder than it is.  If I have to remember where I put the cleaning supplies and then go find them and then start cleaning, I'll have stopped for an ice cream break long before I finish.
• Do something at the same time on a consistent basis.  For example, always do your nails on Thursday night.  Or pay bills on Tuesday.  Or run errands on Monday.  Making something a regular appointment makes it easier to remember.
• If possible, automate it.  Use an online program to remind you of birthdays.  Use an online grocery service to help you organize your list.  Talk to your bank about making saving or bill-paying automatic.

What steps do you take to make it easier to keep your resolutions?