It's another new year - time for a fresh start! If you're like millions of Americans, you're probably thinking about establishing a healthier, more rewarding lifestyle. However, if the mere mention of New Year's resolutions, conjures up memories of failure, listen up! You can succeed in achieving your goals in 2004! It's all a matter of how you pursue them. Here are a few tips to help:

1- Focus on a Few. Okay. So you really need to lose weight, become more active, stop smoking, reduce stress and a half dozen other things. But, be realistic. If you really want to succeed, focus on just one or two resolutions — the ones most important to you. You can always tackle others later.

2- Be Specific and Realistic. Establish specific goals for yourself, but be realistic. If you want to lose 20 pounds, start out with a goal of five pounds in 5 weeks. If you want to walk a mile each day, start with a 10-minute stroll around the block.

3- Make a Plan. Once you've set your resolution, do a little research and develop a plan. It doesn't have to be complicated; just make a list of things you need to do. For example, if you want to reduce stress, pick a technique — exercise, meditation, deep breathing, visualization — and try it for a month. Or, try a different technique every month until you find one you like.

4- Seek Help. Don't be afraid to draw on an expert — a doctor, a trainer or other specialist to guide and direct your efforts if you need it. If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right.

5- Team for Success. If you know someone who shares your goal, team up with him or her. If you're trying to get into better shape, plan to take an exercise class or go walking together. Even if you don't have someone to team with, share your goal with family and friends; they can be a great source of encouragement and support.

6. Track your Progress. Keep a daily journal of your activities and results. It's a great source of encouragement as you see weight drop, sleep improve, flexibility increase, etc. And if you reach an impasse, a journal can help you assess why you were more successful one week than another.

7- Be Patient, Be Persistent. Be patient with yourself. It takes time to break old habits and establish new ones. Just take it a step at a time. If you slip up one day, overeating or missing an exercise opportunity, don't throw in the towel. Tomorrow's another day. Get back on track and keep going.

8- Celebrate your Achievements. Reward yourself as you reach intermediate goals. Treat yourself to a movie or buy yourself something special. You deserve it ! You're accomplishing something some people never achieve — you're taking charge of your life.