Now is the time of year when everyone begins thinking about the New Year and what 2014 will bring.  It is a time when people think about how and what they can change to make the new year better than the last. They resolve to make changes to improve their lives in the coming year.

Here are 3 resolutions you can make to improve your level of success in 2014. Making these resolutions and keeping them will make you happier, less stressed and more successful.

1.  Write for at least 30 minutes every day

I can hear most of you right now saying, “I’m not a writer. Nobody wants to read what I write.” Having someone else read what you wrote is not the point. The point of writing every day is that it helps clarify your thoughts. Jim Rohn considered your daily writings as one of the three greatest things you could leave for the next generation. (The other two are your pictures and your library)

As my mentor, Jeffrey Gitomer explains it, “Wake up and write. It doesn’t matter what it is, just write whatever comes to mind. Don’t force yourself to do it, just let words flow. As you think, capture your words.”  Jot down random thoughts or ideas. You will find that, in the process of writing them down, other thoughts will occur and you often end up fleshing an idea out into something useable. Jeffrey also said, “Don’t let your thoughts get away. Rather than dwell on them, write down the key words so you don’t forget. Thoughts are fleeting. If you wait one minute and then go back to it, its gone.”, so make sure you take notes throughout the day and assemble them as part of your day’s writing.

If you continue to write every day, you will be amazed at how much more creative and organized you will become. You might even find that other people can benefit from reading what you write.

2. Study at least 1 hour every day

Albert Einstein believed, “Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death.” Brian Tracy puts it, “Those people who develop the ability to continuously acquire new and better forms of knowledge that they can apply to their work and to their lives will be the movers and shakers in our society for the indefinite future.” 

If you want to continue to grow; to become more successful in your career and life, you must continue to learn. To do this effectively and consistently, you must set aside time every day. Turn off the TV. Replace that mind-numbing crap by picking up a book or watching an educational DVD. Find something that is motivational, is about positive attitude or something that is appropriate and specific for your field. I prefer to read but listening or watching may be better for you. Find the medium that works best for you and learn something every day.

Replacing negative inputs like meaningless TV or gossip with educational material will also improve your mood and your attitude. Education and attitude can take you a long way towards achieving your dreams.

3. Spend 30 minutes every night planning the next day

Don’t just think about what it is you need to do, write it down. Make a list of what you need to accomplish the next day. Prioritize each item on that list as to which ones are the most important and the most urgent. See if you can delegate some of the tasks to others to free up more of your time to work on the highest priority items.

Writing down the tasks you want to accomplish the next day does more than just help organize your time better for that day; it also helps clear your mind. With a clearer mind, you will sleep better and wake up more refreshed and with more energy. You will also reduce your stress and worry over getting things done. Putting your plan for each day in writing can make you more productive and improve your health.

“How would your life be different if...you had a plan of action towards your goals? Let today be the day...You stop allowing your days to be stolen by busy nothingness and take calculated steps towards your goals.” 
― Steve Maraboli, The Power of One

Too many people make meaningless New Year’s resolutions they have no intention of keeping. Millions more make resolutions they intend to make their best effort at keeping but break them before January is over.

These are three resolutions you need to make if you want your 2014 to be better than 2013. However, no resolution will work without commitment. You must commit to following these three resolutions daily. When you do so, you will be amazed at the effect they will have on every aspect of your life and how much more productive and successful you will be.