I have, and I’ve pretty much decided what it is. No, it’s not because the “resolver” isn’t sincere, or because they’re setting their goals too high. If anything, their goals are probably too low due to too many previous years’ resolutions going the way of that patch of snow in the back yard in early spring.

Resolutions invariably fail because most of us are focused on entirely the wrong thing. Here’s what we say:

1.''I resolve to lose 50 pounds this yea''

2.''I resolve to once and for all get myself into shape and stay ther''

3.''I promise myself that I will abstain from foods that are bad for m''

4.''From now on, I’ll quit smoking and eat healthy food''

What’s wrong with these statements, you ask? By themselves they’re pretty harmless. But taken within the context of the person’s focus of attention, they point in the opposite direction of what the person wants. You see, each is focused on something that is ''wrong'':

1. I’m too heavy.

2. I’m out of shape.

3. I eat food that’s bad for me.

4. I hate it that I’m a smoker and eat poorly.

Ugh. Just reading those statements makes me want to hang my head between my legs. Notice how heavy they are? Getting one of these New Year resolutions to last all year is like carrying your teenage son around the shopping mall. Not only does he not want to be there, his feet probably stink.

So what’s the alternative? It’s called focusing ahead, or focusing on what you really want. What’s wanted is not to “lose weight”, but to lead a vibrant, energetic, joyful life. You don’t want to just no longer be in poor shape, you want to have the stamina and vitality to last all night on the dance floor. Don’t you feel lighter already?

Achieving health-related goals is like achieving any other goal, and as they say, there really is a method to the madness. First, there are two rules involved in this process:

Rule Number 1:

We all must follow the universal law of attraction; we have no choice. The universal law of attraction states (roughly) that you will naturally (and abundantly) attract to you that which is the primary focus of your attention. That is, if you focus on the notion that you’re too heavy, the universe will naturally send you more heaviness.

Rule Number 6:

Don’t take yourself so d___ seriously! (I borrowed this one from Benjamin and Rosamond Zander’s book The Art of Possibility)

Got it? Now that you’ve got a handle on these rules, let’s briefly examine the 10 Keys to achieving anything you want. I know. It’s a bold statement, but that’s what anyone who wants to achieve something big does – makes bold statements. Just look at history if you don’t believe me. Here they are:

1. Create a singularity of purpose. This doesn’t mean you put all your eggs in one basket. It does mean that you really, really want each basket you do have. 98 out of 100 people fail to achieve much success because they never clearly defined what it was they wanted. They’re good at telling you what they don’t want, but can they articulate precisely their purpose?

2. Cultivate passion. What are we without passion? Ice without the cream, that’s what. Passion – deep, strong emotions are what fuels the engine of creativity. Without it we end up saying,''oh, I didn’t really want it that much'' You get what you’re passionate about.

3. Visualize success. Can you see yourself in the winner’s circle? Or, do you visualize yourself losing once more? Napoleon Hill said,''whatever you can conceive, and believe, you can achieve'' The key is the conception – visualizing where you want to be.

4. Be Present. The more you hate where you are, the longer you’ll stay there. Being present means acknowledging, accepting, even appreciating the present moment, regardless of your circumstances. There is great power and freedom in loving who you are now as you reach for something greater.

5. Be focused. You have to focus your attention on what you want to get there. This isn’t a denial of''what is'', but is an acceptance of what is currently present as you focus on the vision of what will be. Focus also means paying attention to whatever is currently working in your life instead of what’s not working. Remember, whatever is the object of your attention expands.

6. Be organized. Come on. You really think you can achieve great things, even excellent and consistent health without being organized. I’m not talking Jack Nicholson obsessive-compulsive, but having a clear and simple system for keeping it all together.

7. Be committed. Commitment takes 4 things (in my opinion): clear values that drive your actions; a dogged perseverance no matter what else is happing; faith (in yourself and the universe), and an ability to be unreasonable. If you did everything the way everyone else said you should, you’d be just like them, not the perfect YOU.

8. Get support. Hire a pro (coach, advisor). Seek support from your peers. Form a Mastermind group. Talk to Gandhi during your meditation. Whatever, just realize life is a lot more fun when you’ve got positive, constructive support.

9. Act from inspiration. You can act (do things), or you can act from inspiration. An inspired action is connected to your values, your passion, and your purpose. You feel it in your bones even before you take the first step.