Will You Keep Your New Year’s Resolution?

New Year’s resolutions can be conquered. Yes, even yours. But are you more likely to get your goal or watch it fall by the wayside? Let’s find out.

1. I chose my 2014 resolution because:
a) I want my family and friends to stop nagging me about it.
b) I’m frustrated with struggling to reach it after failing in previous years. I want to rest easy knowing it’s behind me.
c) It was a no-brainer. I don’t have a lot of issues to tackle.
d) My resolution reflects the type of person I’m hoping to become in the upcoming year.

2. I would best describe my attitude when I set my resolution as:
a) Optimistic, but concerned about my stick-to-itiveness.
b) Nonchalant. I have several self-improvement goals, and this seemed like the most obvious.
c) Thoughtful after considering how realistic my goal is and the steps I’ll take to reach it.
d) Down. I was feeling bad about myself or my current situation.

3. Your family and friends know that when you say something:
a) To take it with a grain of salt. Occasionally you rethink your position.
b) You’re often seeking feedback and reasons to support or challenge your statement.
c) To refrain from questions. You mean it.
d) They love you, even when you’re indecisive or moody.

4. If you set a goal to get organized, you would be most likely to:
a) Rush to attack the closets, cupboards, and hideaways with checklists, an inventory of items to donate, and a label gun.
b) Clean, sort, and pitch as you have time without setting a time frame that would pin you down too much.
c) Elicit family help, and let them decide what needs to be sorted, tossed, and donated.
d) Make some lists and get to it when you have the time.

5. How do you typically deal with setbacks?
a) When I make a mistake, I discipline myself.
b) I don’t move forward until I have a plan for avoiding that mistake in the future.
c) Pause for a moment before moving on. Lingering doesn’t help.
d) Turn the mistake into a positive. Everything can be a lesson.

6. Do you have a reward strategy?
a) Just getting there is reward enough.
b) I plan to buy or do something really nice for myself when I hit the goal.
c) I haven’t given much thought to my reward yet, but I should do something.
d) I have small rewards lined up as I hit mini-goals along the way, and a big reward when I get there.

7. You make an offer on a house for sale, and the homeowner wants to haggle. You’d be most likely to:
a) Take a few days to think before drafting a reply that reiterates your offer but leaves room for compromise and probably won’t rock the boat.
b) Let your agent handle it.
c) Freeze for a moment and question your judgment. Maybe the owner knows best.
d) Reply with a prepared list of reasons your offer is fair, given the house’s age and potential upkeep costs.

8. Do you have a support system in place?
a) Me, myself, and I. I’d rather keep it to myself in case I don’t succeed.
b) My family will support me, even though they don’t totally understand what I’m doing.
c) A friend set a similar goal, so we’re going to help each other stay on track.
d) Not yet, but I’m sure my church group will step up.

9. How confident are you about your resolution?
a) Fifty-fifty.
b) No doubt.
c) I’ll try.
d) Fairly certain.

You’re done! Add up your points.
1. a) 1 b) 3 c) 2 d) 4
2. a) 3 b) 2 c) 4 d) 1
3. a) 3 b) 2 c) 4 d) 1
4. a) 4 b) 3 c) 2 d) 1
5. a) 1 b) 4 c) 2 d) 3
6. a) 2 b) 3 c) 1 d) 4
7. a) 3 b) 1 c) 2 d) 4
8. a) 1 b) 3 c) 4 d) 2
9. a) 2 b) 4 c) 1 d) 3

Goal-Getter (28-32 points)
You are in a prime position to consider the best ways to improve your life this New Year. Your willpower is worth the time and effort, so get started and good luck!

Great Shot (22-27 points)
Your achievement is under your control – other people can advise and support you, but it’s your actions which need to change to produce the results you want.

Toss-Up (13-21 points)
Bear in mind that a slip-up is almost inevitable at some point, and you must not let this become an excuse to give up. When it happens, you will need to draw on your reserves of self-belief and strength, so build these qualities as often as you can. 

Maybe Next Year (8-12 points)
Reaching your goal may not be in the cards, but don’t give up! Hone in on your goal, surround yourself with people who can keep you accountable, and strengthen your backbone a bit. You may surprise yourself!