Weighing New Year's Goals

The end of a year, and beginning of another, is always a good time to set new goals. What better time to reflect on what's gone right, what hasn't worked so well and the changes you might implement to better yourself, your family and/or your career?

Obviously, that's why weight loss, exercise and fitness products sell so well this time of year.

The trick with New Year's Resolutions, however, is to be realistic. Resolving to lose 40 pounds or get out of debt, and failing to make any long-term fitness, diet or spending changes, almost always results in business as usual come the first of February, if not earlier.

As a result, for years I've always set quantifiable goals. I always felt objectives should be easily measured, thereby eliminating slippery loopholes that might enable one to cheat. For example, instead of saying "I resolve to read more this year," I'd say "I resolve to read 26 books this year."

2009 is going to be a little different, though. One official resolution I'm already weighing? Resolve to cook quality Thai food at home. That'd be a good one, no?