New Year's Resolutions. We all make them. We all break them.

So far, mine's still in place and working. It's maintaining a master to-do list and a daily one in my computer.

I can regularly keep track of the big stuff on the master list. It's divided into four categories: writing, marketing, household, social/personal.

The daily list consists of stuff I pluck from the master list. It's short and realistic. I add more to it than I know I can do (which stretches me), yet I get stuff done.

Having it all on the computer makes it easier to add things neatly. And I can line through items I've accomplished, so that there's a visible sense of accomplishment.

The key to success, however, is flexibility. It's a given that something unexpected will come along during the day that will lure me (or lurch me) away from what I want or need to get done. Knowing (and accepting) that up front, is the safety valve against frustration and failure.

So far, I've been amazed at the sense of purposefulness that has resulted. Purposefulness coupled with a new awareness of mental orderliness and topped off with tangible evidence of progress. It feels great, plus I'm getting things done.

But there's one downside.

The year is still young... and much can go wrong.

Watch this space.