According to University of Scranton, only 8% of people achieve their New Year’s Resolutions. Why is this number so low? Researchers say our resolutions are often intangible, too extreme, and too long-term. We use terms like “lose weight” or “get out of debt.” Instead, be more specific and make a concrete checklist or to-do list of obtainable goals, outlining specifically how you plan to achieve your New Year’s Resolution.
For example, if you want to get out of debt, your checklist might look like this:

• Transfer credit card to low-rate card
• Only charge what can be covered
• Eat out once every two weeks
• Close unused credit cards
• Put a freeze on credit
• Sign up for a personal finance class
• Buy Suzy Orman latest debt book
• Consolidate student loans

Researchers say that if you make short checklists of tangible tasks, you’re far more likely to achieve your long-term goals. You can use your Tasks feature in Microsoft Outlook, or you can try using an online tool like http://checkli.com to make checklists. Checkli is easy to use, helps you measure your progress, and costs nothing.
At Checkli.com you can:

• Make unlimited checklists
• Organize, save, and share your checklists
• Add subtitles and sections to your checklists
• Add due dates, edit, or comment on task items
• Print your checklists or download them as a PDF
• Move tasks (drag and drop) task items und down

So, this year, don’t make promises you can’t keep, and don’t overwhelm yourself so much that you fail to do anything. Keep your New Year’s Resolution list short, actionable, and organized. Slow and steady wins the race. Work your checklist—one step at a time—which will get you one step closer to the person you want to be in 2014!