How to really achieve your 2009 goals

<img alt="Getty Images" title="Getty Images" src="http://a323.yahoofs.com/phugc/YzU1DXaR1RPz/photos/be3304e2abd1906c17e2d4dffc82b429/ori_3ba98c01bea857.jpg?ug_____DxOlMMlMQ" align="left" width="250" height="351">We all do it. Whether it&#39;s a mental list of New Year&#39;s goals or a written one, we set some priorities at the start of a new year, and if all goes according to plan, forget about them in a month or two. So, how do you make sure you achieve the priorities you set for yourself when one very tough year gives way to a new one?<br><br>First<strong>,</strong> try this SMART acronym recommended by management expert Peter Drucker. <strong><a rel="nofollow" href="http://lifehacker.com/336991/free-tools-to-manage-new-years-resolutions">Thanks to Lifehacker</a></strong> for the nudge. These all seem to go hand in hand, and maybe overlap, but they drive home the point that the more general you are in your goals or resolutions, the less likely you are to follow through on them.<br><br><strong>S</strong> -- for specific. Be detailed, not general, about your goals. <br><strong>M</strong> -- for measurable. After you set a specific goal, make sure you can measure it, say in how often you email friends and family or the number of birthday cards you send out if you vow to stay in touch with people you care about.<br><strong>A</strong> -- for achievable.<br><strong>R</strong> -- yep, realistic. <br><strong>T</strong> -- finally, timely. In short, sets deadlines. Don&#39;t leave your goals open-ended, or else you&#39;ll just be writing them all down on another list at the end of 2009. <br><br>It all sounds like common sense, true, but we often think big when a busy year winds down to a contemplative pace. The challenge is to set goals that can be reached one step at a time.<br><br>So...don&#39;t overload your list. Write down three to five goals you really, really want to work on. Exercise. Healthy eating. Developing your network. Whatever they are, keep your first list short. <strong><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/content/0,21770,1573398,00.html">Real Simple offers some good advice on how to prioritize your goals</a></strong> and then create a plan to tackle the top two or three so you keep the focus on what is realistic and achievable.<br><br>Not surprisingly,<strong><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.dumblittleman.com/2008/01/fail-to-achieve-new-year-resolutions.html"> Dumb Little Man also has some really good advice</a>,</strong> gleaned from experience. Two of his best tips: Don&#39;t keep your resolutions to yourself and do return to them periodically to see how you&#39;re doing, and what you need to do to get back on track. Set calendar appointments once a month to review your goals and your plan for achieving them. <br><br><strong>So, get writing. And let us know how you plan to reach your goals. What strategies work for you when it comes to setting and going after your goals in a new year?</strong>