A good resolution isn't just about setting a goal, it's about setting the right goal.

Janeen Savini, who calls herself The Jumpstart Coach offers advice about setting and achieving good personal goals.

"First of all you have to do some thinking before you set your goals," Savini, a certified life and wellness coach, said. "When you call something a goal or you resolve to do it, you make a commitment.  The idea behind goals is you have to have this long term vision and that has to line up with your values and responsibilities. " 

Savini said she has seen many people set ambitious goals without thinking through their motivations, abilities and obstacles. When they don't succeed, their confidence to set goals in the future is decreased -- thinking they will fail again.

One of Savini's favorite motivational speakers is David Allen, the author of the bestseller, "Making It All Work." 

"The value of goals is not in the future they describe but in the change in the present they engender," Allen said. "The act of setting a goal gives you a new lens to view life through and this new lens will help you in achieving your goal."  

Savini believes it's this "lens" that is the key.  

"When you change your perception, you will see opportunity that you normally would not have," she said.

When making New Year's resolutions and goals for 2011, Savini suggests considering the following; "What? Why? How?"

"What" goals you set have to be in line with your values, principal and purpose -- the quality of your life.

"Why" you choose the goals you do must provide the motivation to carry through the challenging times with strength and enthusiasm.

"How" to achieve the goal requires being realistic and having awareness of and honesty with yourself.

Savini recommends making small short term goals, aiming for accomplishments you are less likely to fail. The confidence gained with each success will support th long term vision of who you ultimately want to become. 

Janine Savini shared her short term goals and resolutions with About Town.

"So that by the end of 2011, I have a more youthful, energetic and high quality life, I resolve to take action toward, and continually reevaluate and add goals in three major areas of my life: Health, Personal Development, and Relationships.

Here's where I am going to start:

Health: Drink 4 glasses of water each day, 

Relationships: Express gratitude to one special person in my life each day

Personal Development: By the end of the year, empower someone else to achieve one of their goals.