The tradition may seem like a good thing to continue; turn over a new leaf for the new year. But should you have even bothered to make resolutions or is that a tradition that needs to be retired?

Take a look at the quick-and-easy polls that have discovered over the years that New Year's Resolutions are an invitation to guilt, emotional self-flagellation, and a sense of failure. Is that what you want? You're not a masochist, so why do you follow the herd on this one? What good are all the articles that tell you how to "keep" your resolutions? Do you really need them or follow their advice to any meaningful effect? Isn't much of the advice a rehash of what you read last year? Very little is new there.

What do you need to do instead of trying to fulfill the resolutions you made this year? See which of these might be helpful:

1. Review your life and your relationships. Where do you see, truly, you might want to make some changes? Change can be quite small and doesn't need to involve a seismic change. Small changes, in fact, are the easiest and allow you to progress along a path to your goal.

2. Is there some need for a degree of a sea change in your communication style? Learning to temper your comments by adding, "Let me see if I understand…" Consider limiting the use of "why" in any questioning that you may need to do. It sets thing off on the wrong foot.

3. How many times have you agreed to do something you knew you couldn't, wouldn't or didn't want to do? What's the problem with saying, "I'm sorry but I won't be able to do that?" It's a polite way of saying "no," which can be a very good thing for your mental health.

4. What about allowing yourself some quiet time to muse about life and things you might like to do? Lean back in a chair, look up at the clouds and dream a bit. Nothing wrong in dreaming and, perhaps, seeing how some of those dreams might be possible. Like to write, paint or make up recipes? Great, then you have a start on something you want to add to your life, not for anyone but you. Doing something for yourself is a good habit to form. No one can function well if they're always giving to others and never to themselves.

5. Plan something as a reward for yourself this year. Want to say it's a motivator? Go ahead. We all need motivation and there's no harm in giving yourself a reward for all your good work.

Five simple things to consider which may make this year a bit improved over last year and aren't wrapped up in that word "resolution."