This is an ideal time to start considering your New Year's resolutions for 2012. Taking the time to set your new year's resolutions carefully and thoughtfully will help you achieve them. Here are a few tips:

• Avoid perfectionist thinking—Doing your best is important, but insisting on perfection can backfire. When we insist on perfection, it creates an all or nothing attitude. Focus on doing the best you can, and accepting that best as success.
• View setbacks as lessons for growth--mistakes are an opportunity to learn and grow, and ultimately find the best method for success.
• Don't make absolute resolutions--instead of saying you won't drink at all anymore, how about resolving to limit the number of drinks you have per week.
• Share your resolution plans—It helps when you let those around you know what you are trying to achieve. This helps keep you accountable, and they can also provide encouragement.
• Give your resolutions meaning--Know why you want to succeed at each resolution you set. Having a motivating factor will help you stick to achieving your resolution when the going gets tough.
• Take baby steps--Take it one day at a time, bit by bit. You must break it down into achievable pieces. Put all those smaller pieces together, and they will eventually equal success.

Take the pieces of advice from this list that will work best for you. Do not overwhelm yourself with too many resolutions, and start planning early. By preparing yourself now, you will be ready to jump right in, and start moving toward success in the New Year with your resolutions for 2012.