New Year's resolutions are a modern tradition, but despite being neither a Wiccan tradition nor linked to the Witches' year, which begins and ends at Samhain, many Witches still practice this.

Rather than setting yourself one or two difficult-to-attain targets, make a list of six to twelve things you would like to achieve during the coming year. Some could be linked to self-improvement like eating in a more healthy way or learning a new skill, whilst others are perhaps more in the way of personal treats; for example saving for a balloon flight or a weekend at a health spa. Try to include one or more things associated with your Craft, like remembering to observe the cycles of the Moon or writing up your Book of Shadows, for example. It can also be helpful to apply a "rule of three" approach to this: for each item for self-improvement, have one for the benefit of others, the land or the Craft, and one that is for pleasure. Ensure that your list includes things which are relatively simple to achieve as well as more difficult goals.

Write a list of all your targets and, whilst burning a gold candle, recite them to yourself, repeating after each: "As is my will so mote it be." Pin the list in a place where you will see it every day. If you don't want to announce your intentions to the world, you could place it inside of your wardrobe door. Now select one goal from your list and start work towards achieving it as soon as you can.

"The best way to succeed is to start."

Exerpted from The Real Witches' Year, by Kate West.