BRENT MARCHANT: It's that time again, when many of us are grappling with the issue of New Year's resolutions. Should we make any? If so, which ones? How likely are they to succeed? And what will happen if they don't?

New Year's resolutions are admirable propositions, and they can yield many beneficial results when they manifest successfully. But, from a conscious creation/law of attraction perspective, such success depends on more than just wishing hoped-for changes into being. Unfortunately, though, many of us embark on these undertakings with little more than that, and it's simply not enough to go on.

Some might think me a pessimist for saying that, but nothing could be further from the truth; I strongly believe in the power of making positive changes in our lives. For me, however, success with New Year's resolutions depends heavily on the conscious creation groundwork we put into place prior to their implementation. This begins with examining the beliefs associated with whatever it is we want to alter, because our beliefs provide the fuel that drives the manifestation process.

Asking ourselves probing questions about our beliefs (and the consequences of their proposed alteration) can significantly increase the probability of success and satisfaction. Consider asking yourself the following: Are the beliefs sound enough to make the projected changes achievable? Are they too ambitious? Too limited? Is it possible to envision the outcomes before the changes manifest? Are there conflicting beliefs or intents that could sabotage the anticipated materializations (a particularly helpful question in instances where fear, doubt or contradiction hold sway, the three most significant under-cutters of success)? What are the consequences of success? Of 'failure?' And will further changes be necessitated by a resolution's successful manifestation?

Without such an analysis, the probability of achieving satisfying results diminishes, and I believe that's why so many people ultimately fail on their resolutions - they simply don't put in the necessary belief-related legwork in advance. Attempting to commit to change, without committing to examining the beliefs that underpin such change, is often a recipe for failure. This is not to suggest that we should dwell obsessively on how to attain success, because that can hamper the process in its own way. But proceeding without taking stock of our existing and proposed beliefs can usher in disappointment - undoubtedly not the best way to start the New Year.

And what happens if a resolution doesn't appear realistic or feasible? In my view, just don't make it. Forcing a change without the proper belief-support for it is a disaster waiting to happen, and if enough of these disasters manifest in one's life, they can affect one's overall worldview significantly. Pushing the envelope is one thing, but pushing the Universe is something else entirely.

One strategy that can strengthen all of the foregoing suggestions is to make effective use of both our intellect and intuition in belief assessment and formulation. Most of us have the intellect part of the equation down pat, but the use of our intuition in many cases could benefit from some shoring up. Trying to 'think' our way into beliefs for change generally isn't enough, and that's what can happen when we rely on intellect predominantly or exclusively. Tapping into the intuition, however, allows us to 'feel' the changes, experiencing them in 'as if' mode, a practice that gives us a better idea of what will ultimately materialise, allowing us to see if that's what we really want to happen. So, in light of that, I'd like to propose that making better use of our intuition in this way be the primary resolution we should all seek to make as we head into the New Year.

I believe this approach to implementing resolutions is essential whenever we commit to making changes in our lives, not just at New Year's. Given the value of this approach, then, there's no reason why we should have to wait for the start of the year to employ it. January 1st may provide a convenient starting point (especially for gauging results over time), but potentially every day could be New Year's Day. Either way, just make sure to put this process into practice before you start out, regardless of whether or not you're a resolution traditionalist.

Happy New Year, everyone! And good creating with whatever resolutions you undertake!