New Year's Resolutions

Why do you suppose so many people have trouble staying committed to making a change in their lives? Is it a lack of willpower, laziness and a lack of ambition, or is it actually a genetic factor? I can't really say. I am curious if there is a certain fortitude someone is born with or is it something you can develop?
   People make all types of promises to themselves: They are going to exercise everyday, they will stop smoking,  they will give up all white foods, lose 20 lbs, lessen their alcohol intake, get all A's next semester, try being nicer to others, stop wasting time at the office, volunteer somewhere and make a difference, pay more attention to their partners-have more sex, throw out the credit card, or spend more quality time with their children or grandchildren, be a nicer friend......the list goes on and on. Everyone has something they would like to change for the better.
    What I do know is that people often make excuses-lots of excuses. Until one puts themselves first, feels they are worthy, and REALLY wants to change, they will continue to fail. So here are some suggestions that may  help you succeed in 2012:
      1) Tell a few people who are close to you, what you want to change in your life and your plan. Now you are accountable to someone. Ask for their help.You can talk to them and they can try to keep you focused and positive. (Think Larry David and the hostess of a dinner party who told him under no circumstances should he allow her to eat the eclair!)
      2) Take responsibility for your own life. This is your issue, not anyone else's.
      3) It is never too late to make a change.
      4) It shouldn't be an all or nothing proposition. Start slow,make small changes, then gain momentum, and if you screw up, Start again. Do not beat yourself up.
      5) Plan ahead, but take it one day at a time. Set some small goals. And even more important, set some rewards. (Note-shopping should not be the reward if you want to pay off your credit card debt!)
      6) Stay with it-Perservere. This is the year you can keep your resolutions. Remember that you create your destiny and you can acheive whatever goal you set out to do.
      7) Put away your IPhone-there's no app for this!
 Good luck-this will be a great year-make that promise to yourselves AND keep it.