There's less than 24 hours left in 2015. That means it's time to finalize your new year's resolutions.

I'm a big fan of new year's resolutions. I consider making resolutions to be a kind of personal strategic planning.

Here are my recommendations for making new year's resolutions:

• Start by imagining what you'd like your life to be like at this time next year (be realistic – it needs to be things in your control). Then think about the steps you need to take to get there. Focus your resolutions on those things.
• Make your resolutions as specific as possible. Instead of "I will eat better" resolve that "I will keep a bowl of fruit on my desk at work and eat at least one piece a day."  Instead of "I will exercise more" resolve to workout for 30 minutes three times a week and to use the stairs on Tuesdays. 
• Write your resolutions down and refer to the list often.
• As much as possible, schedule in your calendar activities to help you keep your resolutions.  Make an appointment with a personal trainer, research and schedule a cooking class, block out a few afternoons to reorganize files or closets — whatever it takes.

I've been thinking about my resolutions for a few weeks now. Perhaps I will share some with you all in the weeks ahead.

Beginning next week, the blog will start a month-long series about bringing order to your health, your finances, your house, and your life. So stay tuned!