Now that we’ve gotten through the first month of the New Year, the question begs to be asked: have you kept your New Year’s resolutions? If you’re like most people, within a few weeks into the year, those resolutions you made are far gone. Most likely when you created your 2017 resolutions, you looked at 2016 and thought about all the things you did not accomplish, the resolutions that were not kept and, possibly even the weight you wanted to lose but did not. Then you felt you “should” try again and made those same or similar resolutions for 2017.

The problem with doing this is that the “shoulds” that you impose on yourself are often the very thing that set you up for failure. So, how can you make sure you are more likely to keep this years’ resolutions? First, you have to understand why most resolutions don’t last very long. Most resolutions have to do with worthy goals such as weight-loss, money and health. Yet for most, they’re more like a “have to.” When you make a resolution that is already a burden there is no joy in it and your mind will resist the very thing you desire. Of course, there are some things you have to do like drinking water to survive, yet what about doing things that make you happy?

Think about what brings you joy and how you will have more joy in this next year. When you do things from a place of joy they are not a burden, and you will be much more likely to succeed. How do you create more joy? By connecting more with your heart rather than your head. I love what Allan Cohen says:

“This year forget about your New Year’s resolutions and pay more attention to your New Year’s evolutions.”

When you focus on your evolution you know that you are on a continual journey of growth, learning, healing, self-expression and coming through the more authentic self versus the forced world of obligation.

Take a moment to think about what brings you joy and how you will create more of it in 2017. This is not about not being responsible or lazy, this is about consciously creating your life from the deepest place inside you. Create a quiet space and take the time to write answers to the below questions:

1. What brings me most the joy and what am I going to do or how am I going to have more joy in 2017?
2. What would I like my biggest triumph in 2017 to be?
3. What would I be most happy about completing in 2017?
6. What am I most looking forward to learning in 2017?
7. What is a yet undeveloped talent I am willing to explore in 2017?
8. Who or what (other than myself) am I most committed to loving and serving in 2017?
9. In what ways will I lovingly take care of myself in 2017?
10. What one word or short phrase would I like to have as my theme in 2017?

Everyone wants more peace, joy and love and that is where creation comes from. When you begin this next year from this place – that’s where the “magic” happens. All you then have to do is take time to go within, connect to your heart and get clear. Focus on joy first and create intentions from that place then watch your evolution.

Let’s share our 2017 evolution – at this time next year. Blessings, joy and peace…

Dr. Sylva is a holistic counselor, social entrepreneur, and author who maintains a private counseling practice while serving as Executive Director and Chief Inspiration Officer of the I AM Foundation. She has consulted with and developed programs for numerous Fortune 100-500 clients such as: Bristol Myers Squibb, Health Net, Blue-Cross Blue-Shield, Deloitte & Touche, Herbalife, Amway and Pfizer.

As an author, she has published numerous articles; contributed to several books, and co-authored the NY Times best-selling book, “Your Hidden Riches – Unleashing the Power of Ritual to Create a Life of Meaning and Purpose.” (Nov 2014, Random House).