The thing about resolutions is that we constantly set ourselves up for disappointment. Either the goal is too big and we’re upset that we don’t get there quickly enough, or we don’t surround ourselves with enough encouragement and support to follow through. Making a resolution is largely about making change easier. We don’t often want to do the things we’ve put our minds to because they don’t happen easily. But you can make your resolution work for you if you go one step at a time and learn to frame your goals positively (”I will do this”) instead of negatively (”I won’t do that.”)

Old Resolution: Join a Gym. Losing weight is arguably the most popular resolution there is. We all want to look and feel our best, especially after we’ve eaten and drunk our way through the six weeks between Thanksgiving and the New Year. But let’s face it–you’re going to blow a ton of cash on a gym membership you’ll never use.
Anti-Resolution: Workout Wherever You Are. You’ll work out for two days, get sore (or get bored) and quit. Baby-step your way to fitness instead. Start taking a walk after dinner a night or two per week. Do some crunches during commercials. Want to try yoga? Get a DVD or take a single class. As you see ways to fit exercise into your schedule, you’ll develop a routine that will lead you to more regular workouts that you can commit to, at the gym or at home.

Old Resolution: Pay Off Debt. Now, more than ever, we’re consumed by debt. It is important to get yourself on track financially, but you have to recognize that it’s going to take a lot more than a resolution to stick to a budget and pay down your debt–and that it may take a lot more than a year to do it.
Anti-Resolution: Use Less Credit. Remember when credit cards were for “emergencies”? That pair of suede ankle boots is so not an emergency. Stick to cash or your debit card. Try it one time: When you’re in line at the register or paying a bill, ask yourself if you can do it with what’s in your checking account. If the answer is no, leave it behind. You’ll feel better in the long run knowing that your debt burden is decreasing.

Old Resolution: Save Money. Yes, we should all have more in the bank, or in our 401(k). But you’re not going to see the results of a savings plan overnight, which is likely to make you feel like there’s no progress being made.
Anti-Resolution: Give Your Money Away. Try remembering that there is always someone out there who needs your money more than you do. Perhaps it’s tipping your barista this week. Next week you could give a little to your favorite charity. Next month, you might find yourself sponsoring a child. If you can find the funds to do that, you’ll realize money isn’t buying your happiness–and you’ll be more than happy to find a way to set some aside for your own rainy day.

Old Resolution: Eat Healthier. Admit it–that bag of carrots and carton of yogurt for lunch is pissing you off. It’s OK to crave more substance! You don’t have to go raw food or even vegetarian to eat more healthfully.
Anti-Resolution: Try Different Foods. There’s an amazing variety of healthy foods to choose from, all with great flavor that won’t leave you longing for more. Look for recipes that recommend using fresh organic and local ingredients. If you’re better with a cell phone than a saucepan, you can make better choices when ordering food. Instead of a burger, try fresh steamed veggies and salmon or even a thin-crust slice of pizza with veggies. Get out of your comfort zone and you’ll discover eating well is actually not so bad.

Old Resolution: Spend More Time with Loved Ones. Even with the best of intentions, being with your family 24-7 is enough to drive anyone a little nuts. Besides, you know that nightly family dinners will probably last all of a week, if that.
Anti-Resolution: Emphasize Quality, Not Quantity. When you’re with friends and family, make sure the time you’re spending together means something. It doesn’t mean you’ll always be sharing deep, dark secrets–but you could try disengaging from your Blackberry to really listen to your sister talk about her work woes. Be present in your interactions with loved ones, and it won’t matter whether you’ve got 20 minutes or two weeks. Relationships improve via listening alone.

Old Resolution: Quit Drinking/Smoking. Yes. You need to do it–but it’s not easy, we know. Keep trying all you can to get healthy. But in the meantime …
Anti-Resolution: Add a Healthy Habit. The reason it’s often hard to quit a bad habit is the feeling of deprivation that follows it. This year, have a replacement habit that makes you feel good! If you’re swearing off smoking, say you’re going to walk more instead. If you want to cut down on or quit drinking, say you’re going to drink more water instead. You’ll feel better when you have a positive goal to focus on.

Old Resolution: Get Organized. This is it! You’re going to get everything filed, color-coordinated and in its place. Now if only you could find a pen.
Anti-Resolution: Embrace Your Own Systems. There’s something to be said for “controlled chaos.” If you like to have a constant little pile of notes, magazines or books that inspire you, why relegate them to a shelf? You can have a little junk drawer if it makes you happy. The key is to create systems for the things that make you crazy (find a place for your keys, already) and let the rest just be.

We’re sure there are many more resolutions you’re making this year. Let us in on them by sharing in the comments, or share your story with everyone at First 30 Days.