Beat the odds in 2009

It’s that time of year again: the period immediately following the holidays, where the guilt – and maybe a couple of extra pounds – lead us to make New Year's resolutions. If fact over the next week, about 100 million Americans will set new personal goals. Some will try to get in shape, try to quit smoking, save more money; others will try to stop biting their nails.

The trouble is, most people don't end up keeping up with their end of the deal. A recent survey found three out of four people who make New Year's resolutions will eventually break them. A third won't even make it to the end of January.

The problem is most people are the making the wrong resolution. Here are some tips to help you stick to your goals in 2009.

Reality check: Write down small and tangible resolutions. Setting too high a bar can cause unnecessary pressure. If you have been a couch potato all of 2008, its unrealistic to think you can run 5 miles on your first try in 2009. Trying setting small goals one day at a time. For example, when starting up a workout routine, shoot for 15 minutes on the treadmill. If you conquered that easily, tomorrow make your goal 30 minutes.

Give it time: It isn't going to be easy at first but persistence does pay off. According to a long-term study, of the people who do succeed at their New Year’s resolutions, only 40 percent succeeded on the first try. The majority of people had to try multiple times so give it time and don't give up. If you have a bad day, week or even month, don’t get discouraged. Just start fresh the next day. Remember, it can take four to six weeks to break..or form a habit.

As for me, I hope to work a little less in the new year and be with my beautiful daughters with the extra time.

Be sure to tune in to Dr. Sanjay Gupta every weekend on HOUSE CALL. You'll find the answers to your medical questions Saturday and Sunday at 8:30 a.m. ET on CNN.