Clive Gott runs Lighthouse Training, helping people with goal setting, career advancement and life-improvement skills.

Q Every year I set New Year's resolutions that I mean to keep but somehow never do. How do I make sure that this year I keep my New Year's resolutions?

A You are not alone in your plight, in fact if you speak to most people on, or about, the seventh of January they will all tell you how they "tried but couldn't keep it up". Stopping smoking, losing weight, paying off the car or even getting that new job, all of these and many more will be thrown aside as "I tried but..." shortly after the first of January.

One problem with New Year's resolutions is that most people set them on the last day of the year. They have every intention of "starting tomorrow" but make no other commitment to achieving their resolutions such as writing them down in detail.

Then off they go to the biggest party of the year and tomorrow... Well, you know the rest!

To make the year 2001 your best year yet you must remember this: if you want to become something, or someone, different you have to do something different.

Firstly, this year, set your goals for 2001 in early December. Once you have decided what it is you want to achieve, give up or get started immediately. This way you will avoid the rush for the gym or the "and how long will that last" on Monday, January 4.

You can also plan into your new regime some time off to enjoy the party on New Year's Eve knowing that you are already ahead of the rest.

Secondly, set realistic goals for the next 12-13 month period. Most people overestimate what they can do in a year and underestimate what they can do in a lifetime.

You may not get to where you ultimately want to be, but you can ensure that you will be a lot closer.

Third, and most important, decide exactly what it is that you want to achieve before December 31 2001. Ask yourself these three questions:

1 If on December 31 2001 you are in exactly the same position financially, physically, mentally or in your relationships or career, as you are right now, what will you "wish I'd done"?

2 If on December 31 2001 you have achieved everything you want to in the same areas what will you say "I'm glad I did..."?

3 If someone gave you £10,000 for Christmas, what would you do with it?

When you know what it is you want to achieve, take some time, one good evening should do it, and commit your goals to paper - write them down.

Then keep a copy of your goals in a prominent position so that you can look at them on a daily basis to check your progress.

And here is a final tip: plan in regular rewards for yourself.

u Next week, GP Andy Field takes the hot seat. If you have any query about health, fitness or relationships, write in confidence to: The Experts, Features Department, Evening Press, 76-86 Walmgate, York, YO1 9YN, with your name, address and daytime telephone number, (these details will not be published). We regret that none of our columnists will be able to reply to individuals.