It's mid January and my question to you is, "Where are your New Year's resolutions?"

By the end of this month, studies show most people will have abandoned all their good intentions to get healthy, wealthy and wise and, instead, returned to just getting by another day.

When you get crystal clear about the reasons behind a goal, you will be much more motivated to reach it. You'll save yourself a lot of time and trouble by not pursuing someone else's goals. And knowing "why" will keep you going when times get tough.

Think about a goal that's important to you. It might be a personal goal, like exercising more, or a professional goal, like getting a promotion.

Make a list of all the benefits that come from accomplishing this goal. Don't edit yourself. Just write. If it appeals to you, you can mind map it. For example, if you want to exercise more, the "whys" might include:

• Feel better.
• Look better.
• Be healthier.
• Live longer.
• Think clearer.
• Be happier.
• Lose weight.
• Enjoy more energy.

Then, go a step further and ask, "So what?" For example, losing weight might mean you'll fit into your favorite clothes you tucked deep inside your closet. Feeling better and enjoying more energy will enhance your relationships with your family, friends, coworkers and clients. You'll be healthier and that means less time at the doctor's office -- maybe even a longer life.

Or, let's say you want to advance your career and apply for a promotion. The benefits of a promotion might include:

• Earn more money.
• Lead more people.
• Learn new skills.
• Challenge yourself with new responsibilities.
• The pride of accomplishment.

Go one step further and ask, "So what?" That extra money may secure your child's college fund, enable you to go on that European vacation you've put off for years. or give your spouse the option to retire earlier than planned. Learning new skills and challenging yourself with new responsibilities may spark more passion for your work. As for the pride of accomplishment, that's priceless.

Our subconscious mind is a powerful goal-getting tool. It reacts to the stimulus it receives, both negative and positive. When we write down lists like these, we feed it with what we want to come true. Once the "whys" are clear, the "hows" take care of themselves.