  Just for my own records: A solid blueprint for change ( urlLink USA Today ): Pick the start date. Plan how to gear up for the change and put it in motion. Make a public announcement. Ask a "buddy" to monitor progress. Force yourself to sustain the effort until you "own" the change. Accept the ups and downs that evolving change can bring. Chart your progress. Constantly review long-term benefits. Reward persistence. Let's just say, if today was Jan. 2, I'd have broken my only New Year's resolution already . 
