Dear Buzz Readers,
Now that we're a couple of weeks into 2009, it's the perfect time to check the status of our New Year's resolutions. If you're still on target, good for you and keep going. If you've slipped up a bit, don’t let it faze you and keep going. Even if you've failed miserably in the very short span of time that has elapsed since January 1st, just keep going.

We've singled out these five tactics to help you on your mission to quit smoking, lose weight, learn Chinese, stop biting your nails, get out of debt – you name it. If the United States can inaugurate its first black president into office this month, then you can achieve a modest goal or two. Yes, you can!

Write it down.
This will help you to become more focused about what it is you are aiming to achieve, and how you plan to get there.

Aim low.
You can always raise the bar once you've reached your first benchmark. Otherwise, it's likely that you'll end up with a broken resolution and unnecessary disappointment for failing to achieve a goal that wasn't really feasible to begin with.

Talk about it.
You'll immediately become more committed to your resolution, for the sheer reason that you won't want to look like a dope with no willpower. (Hey, whatever works.)

Downsize.
If you think failing to follow through on one resolution feels bad, try failing on ten. Do yourself a favor and start by choosing one or two of your most pressing goals.

Incentivize yourself.
Nothing pumps us up like a little incentive. So, if you've managed to lose a couple of kilos, why not go out and buy yourself something new to wear, or treat yourself to a day at the health spa if you've quit smoking!

Happy New Year

Simone Ciccone
Managing Editor