Wikipedia says:

A New Year's Resolution is a commitment that an individual makes to a project or the reforming of a habit, often a lifestyle change that is generally interpreted as advantageous.

The name comes from the fact that these commitments normally go into effect on New Year's Day and remain until fulfilled or abandoned.

The new year’s resolution is one example of the rolling forecast-method of planning.

According to this method, plans are established at regular short or medium-term time intervals, when only a rough long-term plan exists.

Success Rate

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.

Men achieved their goal 22% more often when they engaged in goal setting, a system where small measurable goals are used (lose 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.

Suggestions for 10 Resolutions for 2009

This coming year, I have decided that with God’s help I shall

1. Give up complaining…focus on gratitude.

2. Give up harsh judgments…think kind thoughts.

3. Give up worry…trust divine providence.

4. Give up discouragement…be full of hope.

5. Give up bitterness…turn to forgiveness.

6. Give up hatred…return good for evil.

7. Give up anger…practice patience.

8. Give up pettiness…put on maturity.

9. Give up gloom…enjoy the beauty that is around me.

10. Give up gossiping…control my tongue.