What resolutions did you make for the year? New Year’s resolutions represent your best intentions to take steps to improve your life and achieve goals that are important to you. So, why is it that you often fail to realize your resolutions? I don't believe it is because you are lazy, irresponsible, incapable or unable. It may be that the goals were not the right ones to begin with, but more likely there are obstacles that need to be cleared which are holding you back.

Often it is small things that get in the way of success - little annoyances that seem insignificant much like sweeping a little dirt under the rug to avoid cleaning it up. The problem comes when you repeat the action until the little bit of dirt becomes a lump under the rug that you begin to trip over every time you walk across it. Tolerations include things like clutter, unfinished projects or light bulbs that need to be replaced. Or, they may be something more significant, like a job you no longer enjoy, never having enough money at the end of the month, or a relationship that is not working. Whether in business or your personal life, removing barriers to your success and creating supportive environments will make it easier to reach the goals and dreams you want to achieve. Following are four tips to help you.

1.CLEAR THE OBSTACLES. Identify things that you are tolerating. What is getting in the way of your success? Write them down so that you can more clearly see what needs to be handled. Perhaps there is a pivotal toleration which, when handled, will clear other things on your list. Make requests or take actions to clear the blocks so that they are no longer draining time and energy.
Ask yourself: What am I tolerating?

1.SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE DRAMATICALLY. Make space in your life for the good things that are coming to you. When you are absorbed in the nitty-gritty you are not available for opportunities that may be presenting themselves to you. Simplifying may mean outsourcing, delegating, eliminating or automating routine tasks or activities that are taking valuable time that could be better spent creating and enjoying a life that you truly love.
Ask yourself: What is one thing I can do this week to simplify my life?

3.CREATE ENVIRONMENTS THAT SUPPORT YOU. Our environments can either support or drain us of energy depending on what we allow into them. Environments include not only our physical living and work spaces, but also our personal relationships, the thoughts that fill our minds and much more. Make changes to your environment to create a more inspiring space. Begin by doing something as simple as rearranging your furniture or accessories, or de-cluttering, to become more aware of your environments and to give your space a lift.
Ask yourself: Do my environments support me? What is one change I will make to improve them?

4.BRING ACCOUNTABILITY INTO YOUR GOALS. It can be challenging to do everything on your own. Having a success partner can support you in clearing your course for success and staying focused on taking action toward achieving your goals. You can do it on your own, but you don't have to do it alone.
Ask yourself: Who will I ask to keep me accountable for reaching my goals?

Pat Morgan, MBA and Executive Coach