Have you written to your Mum yet? Been to the gym at least 6 times since the beginning of the year? Are you half way to your month-end goal? How about those Christmas chocolates and cookies … did you dive into them this last weekend as a reward for two weeks of restraint?

I know, I know. The last thing you want to think about is your New Year's Resolutions. And I can't say I blame you! For years I whipped myself stupid about my lack of discipline, productivity and self-control. No matter how well I'd done the year before, I paid scant attention to those successes, instead, focusing on my shortfalls and the opportunities missed.

And then I got smart. Well, at least, I think I did.

I discovered that I can do anything I set my mind to -- if I only have to do it for a day.

I also found that if I shift from the “doing and having” type resolutions and goals to a “being” focus I have even better outcomes.

Each morning, as I lie in bed thinking about the day ahead, I commit to certain “states of being” for that day – and that day alone. For example I might choose to be creative, consistent, organized, or punctual; or decide being kinder, more flexible, and even, dare I say it, that being more rational might improve the day's outcomes.

Sure, it's harder to see – and measure - incremental progress. And there's a certain “ad-infinitum” ish-ness about the whole process. But, do you know what? I'm a happier person. At the end of each day I look for – and often find – successes in the one or two areas of improvement I committed to at daybreak. I'm also happier about the person I'm becoming – and so are others! Together, day- by-day, we're enjoying the spoils of consistent, continuous improvement. Talk about a win / win !

How about you? Were you about to give up already? Surely not. We can all be that little bit better for just one day … can't we?