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PHOENIX, Dec. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- The beginning of a New Year is usually associated with making resolutions. Often these resolutions involve losing weight, quitting smoking and exercise goals. More often than not, New Year's resolutions fall by the wayside and only last a month or two.

"Psychologically speaking, the beginning of the year is a good time to make resolutions because there is a sense of 'newness' to the year," said David Wall, Ph.D., director of psychological services at Remuda Ranch, Programs for Eating Disorders. "The key is to have a realistic, concrete plan and a support system in place, rather than just a vague idea of what you want to accomplish."

Wall says that people should attack their personal New Year's resolutions as though they were attacking a problem at work. This type of "goal setting" thinking will help resolutions come to fruition.

Remuda Ranch believes it's important to make your environment success-oriented. If your goal is to lose some weight, then park your car further away, walk your dog more often or take a few flights of stairs instead of the elevator. If exercise is thought of as a chore to be completed at a certain time, the chances of exercising on a regular basis start to dwindle. It's helpful to look at exercise as a form of play, not a chore.

Simply finding enjoyable ways of moving your body -- for example, gardening, dancing, playing with the kids -- can help greatly.

Wall suggests making resolutions that are worded in the positive and will improve your quality of life. Instead of making a resolution to lose lots of weight, make a resolution to be healthy and spend more time with family because you will have more energy.

"Don't make resolutions because you have to, make them because you want to," said Wall. Wall offers more advice on making New Year's resolutions work. They include:

-- Write a vision or mission statement for your life.

Resolutions should flow out of what you want in your life -- how you're going to increase the quality of your life.

-- Realize that there are some things in life that you can control, and other things you can't. -- Find your individual hook. Examine the things you value and what excites you in life.

-- Think of relapse prevention. List and recognize any event or situation that could cause you to revert to your old ways.

-- Count the costs and benefits. Think about what you're willing to do to achieve your goal. This may lead to adapting your goals.

For example, instead of aiming to lose 30 lbs. in one month, try to lose the weight in steps throughout the year. This would be viewed as an easier resolution and may seem well worth the benefits.

"You don't have to wait until New Year's to make changes, you can start immediately," adds Wall.

SOURCE: Remuda Ranch, Programs for Eating Disorders Web Site: http://www.remudaranch.com