New Year’s is just around the corner, and we all know what that means: Resolutions. Lots of us tend to make resolutions based on something very transient. For instance, we feel guilty for overeating over the holidays, so we resolve to lose a bunch of weight and work out every day or go on a strict diet. Then, a few months later, we let it all go again.

Let’s take it back a step and think about the word “resolve.” To have resolve is to be determined, dedicated to a particular goal or ideal. Resolve is also used when referring to finding a solution to a problem. The problem is that most of us set resolutions that have to do with the first meaning. We are rigid and set a goal that has something to do with a very temporary state. If we set resolutions with the intention that they will resolve underlying issues in our lives, we are far more likely to stick to them. If we set a resolution to “lead a lifestyle that is consistent with health and well-being,” we are far more likely to succeed than if we resolve to “lose 25 pounds by any means necessary before swimsuit season.” “Health and well-being” is an adaptable term that can serve you regardless of circumstance. If we make “health” more important than “well-being,” we might end up with a fantastic body but feel depressed and deprived.

Also, it might be helpful to set goals that have stages you can monitor through the year. For example, if your goal is to completely purge your house of clutter, set a goal to have one room done before March, another done by the end of summer, and another before the holidays. That way you have bench marks along the way. And who knows, you may end up ahead of schedule and move your goal further into purging your office, your computer, your car, or even your phone of clutter.

Resolve is something that we can always call upon. The new year is a wonderful time for us to remember this, but this year make it your resolution not to forget that you are always capable of setting goals and expanding your being.