The New Year has arrived bringing with it the promise of things to come. What changes would you like to see in your life in 2011? Would you like to be richer in your relationships and your wallet? Thinner around the waistline? Better at making decisions?  Do you always make resolutions only to find they have been abandoned by January 2nd?

If you’ve said it once you’ve said it a million times: “This year I will….” Maybe you want to eat healthier food, exercise more, spend more time with family and friends.  Here are three tips to get you started in the right direction:

1.  Tell someone about your goal.  When you make a decision to change, no matter how big or small, share it with someone else. Ask that person to keep you accountable and give them permission to check on your progress.

2.  Surround yourself with people who are doing what you long to do. If you want to be healthier in the New Year, hang out with people who eat healthy food and exercise. You want to catch some of their good eating and exercise habits. If you want to invest in the stock market, talk with successful people who are making money in stocks or read books written by those who are. Whatever your interest, find someone to help you - whether through books, audio CDs, how-to websites, or a real live person. Have people and numerous influences in your life that push you to become better.

3.  Forgive yourself!  Some days you'll blow your diet, make an excuse about exercising, snap at your kids, and wonder, "Is there anything I'm doing right?" In that moment, accept that you lapsed for a little while and start again.  Don’t dwell on when you slipped from your chosen path instead forgive yourself and get right back on track.

The New Year is here, brimming with hope, take this clean slate and dare to write a new story? One that features a new, happier, healthier you!