This post was guest written by BetShopBoy of you guessed it, BetShopBoy.net. Be sure and take notes as there will be a quiz, kids.

The start of a New Year is a time many people pause to take stock and reflect on their actions, accomplishments and failures over the past 12 months. It is also a time where many people, hoping to make a fresh beginning, set their New Year resolutions.

The problem with making resolutions is that good intentions get derailed within a few weeks when the “novelty” factor dies down and the resolutions become wishful thinking. While some people follow through with their plans and achieve their goals, many of us are stuck revolving, resolving, and re-solving those problems whose solutions have eluded us in the past.

Make your resolutions for 2008 different, make them count!

Img Credit: .Gladius

Here are some pointers on how to go about setting your resolutions:

Pause and take stock of all the good and the bad that has happened over the past 12 months.

Reflect and think through carefully about what you would like to change. Don’t set yourself up for failure by drafting a long list of “should-dos” that you won’t take seriously anyway.

Take time to plan and set SMART goals:

• S - Specific
• M - Measurable
• A - Achievable
• R - Realistic
• T - Time line

Avoid repeating a previous resolution (whether it’s achieved or not). For instance, I resolve to fulfill last year’s resolutions!

Img Credit: Abulic Monkey

The following tips might provide a good starting point for drafting your blogging resolutions for the New Year:

I will expand my social network and strengthen existing relationships.

I will take control of the blog’s performance.

I will find a mentor or become one.

I will learn more (HTML, social media, writing style etc.).

I will have a better work-blog-life balance.

I will back-up my blog religiously!

Make this year the year you make good on your New Year’s resolutions so that you can say “I did” rather than “I should have” at the end of the year.Author: BetShopBoy recently wrote about a blogger’s worst nightmare when he discovered his blog was down during the holidays. Take note and learn from his experience!