Every year at this same time, we all experience the same ritual: We assess how we did during the year. First we look at our bigger goals - that's the easy part. We either hit our goals or we didn't, and we all feel differently about our success. The more difficult part is when we look at our subtle or personal goals, which include our relationships, our food choices, our spiritual practices and myriad other possibilities. Of course, this brings us to the New Year.

In the beginning of the year, we are enthusiastic about beginning anew. There is a power and determination that we only experience once a year. We might implement a healthy body program which includes diet and exercise, or we might renew our business or relationship goals.

Whatever our aim, we usually recommit or expand upon our past goals with new fervor and new power. However, it is as inevitable as the weather changing that our most noble intentions will eventually encounter resistance. For a while we are able to resist the resistance, but ultimately we falter and give in just like in other years, and end up modifying our goals and resolutions.

If we approach the New Year with the same old attitudes, beliefs and patterns, is it really a new year? What we're really doing is giving in to our negative mind. We are letting our negative thoughts run our lives and stop us. It's the nature of the mind that it will always find ways to distract us from our focus.

We will not be able to expand what is possible in our lives until we transform our relationship to resistance. Once this occurs, the way we look at goals and resolutions will also be transformed, and the possibilities in our lives will then be infinite - including mastery over our negative thoughts.

Let's make this year have a power that we have not previously experienced. Let's assume there will be resistance, and assume that it doesn't matter if there is because we know what's on the other side. We know that not giving in to resistance is the gateway to transforming our lives.

A few years ago my son, Josh, brought home a quote from the gym that speaks to me, and I think will speak to you. It's about "The Workout," and how a workout is much more than going to the gym and getting exercise. When we look at "The Workout" as a metaphor for life, the possibilities for transformation are infinite - and then the form of the workout doesn't matter.

What Is a Workout?

workout is 25 percent perspiration and 75 percent determination. Stated another way, it is one part physical exertion and three parts self-discipline. A workout makes you better today than you were yesterday. It strengthens the body, relaxes the mind and toughens the spirit. When you work out regularly, your problems diminish and your confidence grows.

A workout is a personal triumph over laziness and procrastination. It is the badge of a winner - the mark of an organized, goal-oriented person who has taken charge of his or her destiny. A workout is a wise use of time and an investment in excellence. It is a way of preparing for life's challenges and proving to yourself that you have what it takes to do what is necessary.

A workout is a key that helps unlock the door to opportunity and success. Hidden within each of us is an extraordinary force, and physical and mental fitness are the triggers that can release it. A workout is a form of rebirth. When you finish a workout, you do not simply feel better - you feel better about yourself.

Mark Susnow is a personal coach, leadership and communications strategist and international speaker. By blending 30 years of experience as a trial attorney with spiritual insights, he teaches people what it takes to be successful in the world and inspires them to manifest greater fulfillment in life. Most recently he co-authored the book 101 Great Ways to Improve your Life along with such illuminaries Zig Ziglar, Denis Waitley, Brian Tracyand Jim Rohn. His Leadership Development Plan has also been published in the world renowned leadership magazine Effective Executive. He also publishes the inspirational ezine Letters on Life. For more of Mark's wisdom, be sure to visit his website, www.inspirepossibility.com, or call him at 1-415-453-5016.