Every January first, we compose a laundry list of resolutions we absolutely, definitely will see to success by year's end. We will be more organized, we will eat better and lose weight, we will spend more time with our families. So many resolutions are made with good intentions, yet how many are kept by the end of the first week?

John Lennon once said, "Life is what happens when you're making other plans." You may have experienced it yourself: no sooner than you promise to go on a diet does Aunt Martha come to your house with a plate of leftover holiday fudge. You zip up your new jogging suit for that two-mile run, and open the door to a blizzard. Then the compromises begin. "I'll start tomorrow, I'll start tomorrow."

Does tomorrow ever come? Does the jogging suit get past the couch and the empty box that once held the fudge?

Don't feel discourage if any resolutions made for the new year are broken. Life has a way of throwing unexpected curve balls, and the best way to handle such a situation is to stick out the glove and try to catch it. If you don't, you know you have given it a shot. Apply this mindset to keeping your weight loss resolutions, and with a bit of willpower you may have the opportunity to find success.

It is possible to recondition yourself to the proper mindset and behavior for losing weight. The key is to take action, apply strength of will, and start immediately. Why wait until January First to take off the pounds? Even in the thick of the holiday eating season, you have ample opportunity to condition your body for weight loss.

Take a walk! Button up that jacket, wrap that scarf around your neck, and venture out into the world. Even it it's just a quick trip around the block, the movement will do wonders for the circulation. Inhale the crisp, cool air and let the oxygen clear the bloodstream. You will feel energetic, and your body may better process that holiday dinner into more energy to expend.

Clean out the cupboards! What Aunt Martha doesn't know won't hurt her. Check your pantry and refrigerator for all the junk you have stored since the last time you made a New Year's resolution. If you know it will be an impediment to your diet, throw it out. The road to weight loss begins with one step, and this one will lead you in the proper direction.

Turn off the TV! This season usually has favorite TV shows stuck in rerun limbo. Use the time toward an activity beneficial to your mind and body. Enjoy walks or games with the family. Turn to hobbies that take your mind off endless snacking in front of the tube. You will feel smarter and healthier for having done it.

Don't give up! If you break down and have a piece of fudge, if you skip a day on your new gym membership, don't beat yourself up about it. Negative feelings will fester and discourage you from continuing to pursue your goals. If you fall off the horse, get back on and keep riding. Eat a piece of fudge? Don't feel you have to exercise twice as hard the next day to get rid of it. Keep your pace, and watch your will strengthen.

This year, the best way to resolve to a new life is to stay positive, acknowledge that you are only human, and not to quit. See what you can accomplish in the new year.