With the anticipation of a new year, I spend some time thinking about what I'd like to accomplish in the upcoming 12 months. Traditionally, the New Year is a time to reflect on the changes we want (or need) to make and to resolve to follow through on those changes.

But I avoid using the term "New Year's resolutions" since that's pretty much the kiss of death for accomplishing them. Research consistently proves that only a small percentage of people who make resolutions actually achieve them, with most having abandoned them by the end of January.

So I prefer to call them "annual goals." We all have them. But often in our work lives, the goals we are trying to accomplish are performance-, productivity- and revenue-related.

As HR professionals, who balance work-life-health issues for yourselves as well as for your employees every day, you are acutely aware of the value of good health. Without it, our lives are that much more complicated. And sadly, it is often when you experience the lack of health that the importance, value and reality of having it make sense.

When thinking about your new year, pay particular attention to establishing a few health-related goals. Because without your health, it won't matter what your company's performance is this year. Here are a few suggestions for setting your goals to move toward better health.

Lead by example

As the HR professional responsible for the people in your company, you can have a positive impact by leading by example. Set the tone for your co-workers this year and make your good health your top priority. You must take care of your body because the day will come when it will no longer tolerate your indifference.

Be decisive

You are the only one who can determine what you want to work toward, why you want it, and how you plan to accomplish it. If your goal doesn't come from you, it's unlikely that you'll be successful. Decide that you are ready. If your health care provider has suggested that maybe it's time you tried to quit smoking, make sure that you agree. While quitting smoking is the best decision you can make for your health, it won't matter unless you decide to do it.

Keep it simple

You'll get into trouble when you make your goal so complicated or so lofty that just telling someone seems overwhelming. Saying "I want to get back to my high school weight" or "I want to reduce my stress," or "I want to eat right" are all worthy goals, but are far too general. Over 66% of adult Americans are considered overweight or obese, so weight loss is a frequent item. But you need to set realistic goals and keep it simple.

Write it down

I don't know about you, but at this point in my life, if I don't write things down, I can easily forget. As the saying goes, "out of sight, out of mind." If you make the conscious decision to write down your goal and place it where you'll see it regularly, it will remind you that you are working toward something. It will also give you a point of reflection next year.

Make a plan

Just because you want it to happen doesn't mean it will. You have to make a plan. It's unlikely that announcing, "I'm going to run a marathon" will make it happen. After deciding on a goal, you have to figure out the steps needed to move you toward it. This isn't the sexy part of making the goal; this is the getting down to the nitty-gritty. But without the steps, you have no road map to get there.

Measure it

In order to feel like you're making progress, it helps to be able to gauge where you are in your journey and more importantly, when you've reached it. Lowering cholesterol, losing weight or getting that annual mammogram can be measured.

Tell someone, tell everyone

Don't keep a secret when it comes to announcing your goals. It's been proven that when you make a goal public, you are more likely to keep working toward it. So, make a trip to your primary care physician and tell her/him what your health goals are. Make yourself accountable. Tell your co-workers and tell your family.

Don't be afraid to fail

We're human. We have lives; we get distracted. Fear of failure is one of the reasons most folks don't even try, but the truth is, there are very few of us who accomplish something of importance on our very first attempt. Most smokers make at least four attempts to quit before they are successful. The important thing is that if you do fail, or get sidetracked, get back on track. Don't beat yourself up. Keep moving forward.

Celebrate your success

It's no fun if you accomplish a goal and no one knows about it, especially if you've told your family, friends or coworkers. Be proud of your accomplishments, however small, and celebrate your hard work and results. You deserve it!

Best wishes for a happy, prosperous, and healthy, healthy, healthy New Year.

Contributing Editor Betty Long is a registered nurse and founder of Guardian Nurses Healthcare Advocates, a health care advocacy firm that has helped thousands of patients navigate the health care system and saved millions of dollars in health care costs.

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