Resolutions for boomers

People over 50 are changing the face of resolutions -- not just as they relate to New Year's vows, but as a commitment for life. A generation accustomed to tackling their goals and getting the most from life, this spirited group of adults is proud that they still have more to accomplish at this stage of their life.

Out for 2007: Rehashes of the annual vows to go the gym, spend less money and start that novel.

In for 2007: Celebration of shedding those extra pounds, taking control of finances and finishing that novel -- not to mention traveling to places like the Arctic Circle, or swimming with dolphins.

Every year more than 40 per cent of Canadians make New Year's resolutions in the form of lists centered around weight loss, exercise and kicking the smoking habit. According to researchers, more than half abandon them after six months. So how do Canadians turn resolutions into accomplishments, and stamp "done!" on the goals that comprise their "want to do" list?

Steps to success

Start by recording your goals and dreams. Then you can begin the process of achieving them. After all, nothing is more rewarding than achieving a life goal.

By "top tenning yourself," you can identify what is important to you. Creating a list is the first step. Once it is completed, share it with others who have comparable aspirations, have accomplished similar goals, or who are able to serve as a source of advice and inspiration.

A dream fulfilled

Betsy Crowe, a 53-year-old energy regulation consultant from Wenham, Mass., discovered the power of dreams when she tackled the goal of rowing alone on a lake in a tiny racing boat called a scull. Since its sides rise barely six inches out of the water and it is only 24 inches wide, rowing a scull solo across a lake can be an intimidating prospect, but after a lesson and some practice, Crowe set off across Onota Lake in western Massachusetts.

"I've had the dream of returning to rowing for many years, but never knew if it would happen. Now at this stage in my life, it is important to take these dreams seriously and mark them off," says Crowe, whose other goals include learning to surf, rafting the Grand Canyon and rock climbing. "There were lots of things I have always wanted to do, and now that I have listed them, I feel like I've taken the first step to accomplishing them, and that they are all within reach."

Do you have a dream of your own? Start the process now and use this year's resolutions as your first step towards making it come true.