It’s the new year and everywhere everyone is writing about, talking about new year’s resolutions. Admit it, the number of these so-called new year’s resolutions shoved down your throat is more than enough to bug down your system. Keeping up with the Jones’ when it comes to this customary practice can do more harm than good. Especially when you’ve seen other people’s lists and you start feeling like you’re the worst person for not having one - and then you frantically jot down your own. Mentally. And wish for the best.

If you had to make one promise this year, make it the resolve to set yourself free. Scrap new year’s resolutions. Don’t mess up 2013 by beating yourself up with added pressure brought forth by a long list of new year’s resolutions. The new year isn’t all about conjuring up “changes” to be made on your business, employees or YOU out of thin air. It should be all about forging ahead by reflecting on the past and setting goals.

That said, set goals for 2013, instead.

Take this guide to better goal-setting this new year:

1. Look Back To 2012

I will assume you had business/company/marketing and personal goals last year. Sit down with your team and do a review of last year’s goals. Are they met? It’s ok if they are not. Lay down all cards on the table - the successes and failures - especially the failures! They are every person’s and organization’s best teachers and these are your stepping stones to succeeding this year. Failures could stem from doing and not doing certain strategies and actions. The causes your victories and failures will be cooking pot of stew that’s your goals this year along with a lot of research into some trends forecast in the business this New Year.

2. Set Three Specific and Realistic Goals

Psychologists agree that for a person or an organization to better achieve in terms of goals being met, a maximum of three realistic and specifically-stated goals should be made each year and no more.

A psychologist at the University of Hertfordshire, Richard Wiseman (@RichardWiseman), divulgesto The Guardian that many of the most successful techniques in keeping resolutions involve making a plan and helping yourself stick to it. Jeremy Dean (@PsyBlog), a research psychologist at Universtiy College London chimes in agreement:”Most resolutions are too vague, too hard and too spontaneous. You’re better off taking the time to think things through and putting the necessary preparation into place so you have a chance of succeeding.”

3. Set Your Attitude For 2013

The right attitude always gets anyone to great heights. Rings true with keeping this year’s goals too. Psychologists believe fantasizing about the success of meeting the goals you’ve set for your business or career this year can only bring demotivation. Instead, they advise to focus on the process, that is, the daily grind and work you and your business partners (or employees) put every single day to reach the goals you’ve set together. Business and marketing goals always go with business and marketing plans - these are your roadmaps, call it “treasure map” to make give it the sense of adventure and excitement. Having 2-3 goals this year with a corresponding breakdown of steps and processes that make up your strategies on how to reach them will steer your ship in the right direction.

Allow me to impart a beautiful message by Jerry West:

2013 turns a new page for every one of us. Aim forward and don’t just cross out and forget about the bad habits/practices that caused failures and shortcomings last year. Whether you are aiming for improvements or complete changes, the key is replacing ineffective habits with more positive and effective ones… still holding strong and doing our jobs every day.

May we all have a successful 2013!