Only a few short weeks ago, we rung in the New Year with resolutions to be better.  We set out with the best of intentions to eat well, exercise more, be kinder, gentler, and more loving.  How's that going?

In truth, most New Year's Resolutions fail.  That's not based on science, but on empirical experiences, my own and my observations of others' experiences.  If we succeeded, we wouldn't vow to loose weight each and every year. Here are three common reasons why resolutions fail:

• 1. The resolutions we set were unrealistic to start with. If the first two weeks of a new you has failed this 2009, now is a great time to look at what we'd promised ourselves to do. Maybe becoming the perfect wife and mother is a better long term goal. Focus on what you can accomplish this year, or better yet today ... or right now.
• 2. We did not have the proper resources to set out and reach our goals. To play hockey, you need ice skates. To imitate Monet, you need paint brushes. With any goal you need certain equipment, not to mention adequate emotional preparation. Our goals, infeasible in 2008, did not land within reach this year on New Year's Eve. If you haven't already, put pen to paper and chart out what steps you'll need to take in order to reach your goal. Break down long term goals in to small simple steps and note what resources you'll need along the way.
• 3. We lack adequate support. "No man is an island," and who would want to be anyway? When Big Daddy Weave decided to loose 90 pounds in 2009, he told everyone. Listening to my local KLOVE radio station, I hear a call to participate in the challenge several times a day. If fans show up at his shows in 2010 and don't find a new, svelte entertainer, someone is bound to notice. Taking your goals to the streets helps create a captive audience to hold you accountable to your resolution.

As working moms, we have support group opportunities at home and at work.  If you find your 2009 resolutions slipping away early in this New Year, stop now, reevaluate your goals, plan and collect resources, then tell everyone you can recruiting their help and possibly their instant admiration.