So here it is: time to crank out a list of lofty resolutions that you know will never last past January 31st, right? Don't do this to yourself. Please. You'll feel like a failure, and you'll come to hate New Year's Resolutions rather than seeing them as opportunities for renewal. Examiner.com know this, and they've asked all of their writers to share tips on how to make readers wildly successful with their New Year's Resolutions in 2010.

Below are 5 tips, followed by a personal story of my 2009 resolution, that I hope will be helpful to you as you begin to turn your attention toward a bright new year teeming with possibility.

1.) "What Gets Measured Gets Done"
One of my Operations professors in business school loved this saying, and it applies to every area of our lives. If we can find a way to measure something, chances are we can find a way to chart its progress. If you want to get yourself in better shape, keep track of what you eat and how much you exercise. If you want to volunteer more, keep track of the number of hours you help a nonprofit. If you want to save more money, keep track of the growth of your savings account on a regular basis. You'll be encouraged by your results, and it will keep you on track toward your goal.

2.) "Speaking of Goals, Set Them and Create a Plan to Get There."
I'm amazed by how many people make New Year's Resolutions and then don't develop a plan to help themselves achieve the goals. If you want to improve your health, for example, define what that means to you, develop a step-by-step plan with timelines, and stick to the plan.

3.) "Make Resolutions that Involve Something You Like to Do."
Sounds simple, though consider how many people decide to focus on thing they don't like to do. A lot of people dislike the gym scene and yet they make a resolution to go to the gym more. They're doomed before the ball drops! There are many paths to every goal - pick a path you enjoy taking and get going.

4.) "Falling Off the Wagon Doesn't Mean Failure."
Too often, people think that one little slip off the New Year's Resolution wagon means that they have failed for good. Not so. Did you make a resolution to balance out life and work more effectively? Great! Now just because you had to spend some late nights at the office on a project doesn't mean you have to give up that resolution. When that work project ends, make a concerted effort to get back to balance.

5.) "Choose One."
The good of the many destroys the good of the 1 when it comes to resolutions. Rather than drafting up a list of resolutions, just focus on 1 thing you'd like to do in 2010. Achieved that resolution by March? Congratulstions! Now, if you want, make another resolution, and focus on that. It's the focus that counts, and it's easier to focus on 1 goal rather than many.

In 2009, I made one resolution to actively seek out hope and then blog about what made me hopeful every day. I love writing and I really wanted to be more hopeful, so this resolution was a pleasure to keep. The blogging piece helped me keep track of how much hope I found and how much hope I generated for others. Some days, I didn't have time to blog, but I had been thinking about plenty of material and was able to catch up the next day.

The results have been incredible: On December 31st, I will post by 365th blog entry about hope, and I certainly feel more hopeful about my life than I did at this time last year. The 5 tips above worked for me in 2009 and I hope they work for you, too. Wishing you a very happy and productive 2010!