We all know New Year's resolutions are typically destined to fail, but we're sure you've run into people who continue to set them year after year. They may hold to their new plans for 30 or even 60 days, but inevitably something happens to take them off track. We talk to those folks about the benefits of setting goals, not just resolutions. Here are three easy tips to get you started:

1. Get WHYSMART with only one item at a time. Many people lose focus with a 5 to 10 item resolution list.We help them prioritize their list, choose one item on which to have supreme focus, and run it by the WHYSMART criteria. Their odds of accomplishing that one item increase exponentially.

2. Find the power. We ask them questions on why achieving that one item is important to them. What happens if they get there? What about if they don't? If the rewards aren't compelling enough or the consequences aren't dire enough, they'll end up squarely back in resolution-land.

3. Accountability is king. We talk to them about the benefits of having a business coach, accountability partner, or mentor. Choose the terminology that resonates with them. The concept behind it is bringing someone else along for the ride. You need someone who can encourage you on those down days (and there will be some of those!) and celebrate with you on those up days (where there's down, there's up!). We offer to be that partner.

Ask everyone you meet in the next week or two about their New Year's resolutions and the benefits of turning them into goals instead.