Nearly 40 percent of adults make New Year's Plans, but how many actually keep them through the year? What follows are five of the best tips(窍门) based on research and my experience as a business and personal coach. Tip 1: Use your imagination. If all we see is a goal—not linked to a dream behind it, the goal soon starts to look like an item on a to-do list that's easily given up. Ask yourself: What is important to me about this goal? What do I desire here? Then you have the will to fulfill it. Tip 2: Break it down. New Year's plans are often forgotten when we feel our goal is too big. A sure way to stay focused is to set tiny goals and celebrate their achievements. To break down a really big goal, imagine 12 actions towards it this year—and you have a good enough plan. Tip 3: Keep records. Writing down goals and recalling your experience is a powerful way to achieve them. Make note of monthly achievements and schedule time to review your plan. Tip 4: Admit failures. We all fail. How we choose to interpret 'failure' is key. Looking at mistakes as learning opportunities helps us get closer to our goal. Tip 5: Choose a partner. A partnership makes the process fun. Pick someone who's as excited about reaching the goal as you are. What does the writer think of people who are making New Year's plans?