We're ten days into the new year, and for many of us our New Year's resolutions are in full bloom. This year we're determined to get organized, lose weight, work harder or have more fun. But studies show that, despite our best intentions, fewer than half of those who make resolutions manage to keep them through the month of January and only one in ten are able to make lasting change.

Resolutions don't work because, although they may identify the outcomes you want to show up in life, they don't give you the road map to get there. And the behaviors that we choose to change when we make our resolutions are often those that are the most difficult to change- making failure likely.

For the past several years, instead of making New Year's resolutions, I have been creating a theme for my year. Having a theme inspires me to make positive change and is a way to bring passion, purpose and focus to my day. Many of my clients have been choosing themes for the year that resonate with them: "the year of healthy living," "growing my business joyfully," "balance and flow in 2010," "calm energy," "financial success." My theme for this year is "Live Intentionally" and it brings a smile to my face when I say it. It helps me remember to be mindful and choose behaviors that will bring me closer to achieving my goals. Remembering to "Live Intentionally" makes a positive difference in my year and, more importantly, the way I live my life.

With a focused theme, the year becomes a project that ties together your thoughts, feelings and actions, and allows you to focus your energy in the direction of positive and lasting change.