I am usually not a fan of New Year resolutions. I start off strong but by Valentine's Day I am back at the same place I was on December 31. It's not that I haven't thought about my goals, it's just that I get overwhelmed by how much I have to do and the convenience of the now begins to outweigh the desire for the future.

But this year, maybe it can be different.

Instead of setting myself up for failure by coming up with a list of unrealistic expectations, perhaps I can begin to make small, incremental steps that will lead to lasting, transformational change down the road. And perhaps this change can impact more than just myself!

For example, instead of saying, "This year, I am going to meet all of my neighbors and invite them over to dinner at least once a month," perhaps I can just begin with, "Today, I am going to help my neighbor clear off his sidewalk," or "Today, I am going to wave to the lady who usually doesn't wave back."

Who knows how that one small act of kindness could lead to lasting friendships down the road?!

Another example would be: "This year, I am going to get involved with three different causes and volunteer as often as I can," could simply become: "This year, I am going to choose one issue that I am passionate about and take the next step in getting involved." That next step could even be joining an IDEAS program in one of our locations around the world!

Your decisions, your next steps, your commitment can make all the difference to those next door or on the other side of the globe. Instead of swallowing the apple whole, take one bite at a time: small steps to big change.

So what are your resolutions this year?