You may not accomplish every goal you set -- no one does -- but what really matters is having goals and going after them wholeheartedly.

Les Brown (1912 - 2000) US bandleader, songwriter 

Christmas is now out of the way and the tinsel is a distant memory. Did you make a New Year's Resolution? And have you already broken it? How about putting that Resolution behind you and consider trying something else? How about setting SMART goals instead? Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-driven. Decide what you want to achieve - write it down. Break it into steps and set dates for each step. What do you want to do? How will you do it? When do you want to do it by?

Many families are carrying the burden of debt built up over the festive season, or even before. Make this year the year you finally deal with that debt. Set small steps to achieve that greater goal - cut up the credit cards, investigate cheaper credit, talk to the bank, allocate money to pay it off, set a budget. Ignoring it will only make it worse. Focusing on what you need to do will move you towards resolving the problem.

The same technique can be used for your health. A recent Global Consumer Trends report states that almost three-quarters of Europeans are now more concerned about their health and wellbeing compared with the previous year. I am sure there are similar concerns around the globe. Which aspect of your health would you like to focus on? Fitness, weight, smoking, stress management? All can be approached systematically. Setting small, manageable goals will see you making sure progress.

Here in the UK it has been proposed that there is a ban on smoking in public places, something that will happen in Scotland where I live in March 2006. Other countries and states are introducing similar legislation. Isn't now the perfect time to give up smoking? Decide on which method would be best for you - nicotine patches, complete withdrawal etc. Join your medical doctor's quitting programme. Get a buddy. Having someone there to cheer you on will make all the difference, so enlist the help of family, friends or even a professional to support you. Think about your diet. Drinking more water and adding at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables every day would be a great start to improving what you put in your body. Walk a bit further and more often. Dance to the radio. Adding small amounts of activity can contribute to your overall good health. HAPPY NEW YEAR GIFTS

Now is the time to take responsibility and control of your own life and to believe in yourself. The future is yours if you want it! Happy New Year - Happy New You!

Kate Harper is based in the beautiful Highlands of Scotland. Check out her website http://www.harpercoaching.com

She works with people who are fed up with moaning about their lives and have decided to do something about it. If that is you, please take a look at Kate's website. Her special interest is in promoting Wellbeing and Self Confidence through coaching. She is happy to work with people from any part of the world.

"The distance is nothing; it is only the first step that is difficult." Madame Marie du Deffand