New Years

Why are new years resolutions so hard to set or follow-through on? Or perhaps the bigger question is, why don't we take effort to change so that we can get the things we really want? I've never really set concrete New Years resolutions in the past, but this year I am up to the challenge so that I can improve my life and feel more happy and content. I decided to use the problem-solving method to help determine attainable goals. I've identified the "problems" as:

-Not being present and in the "here and now" leading me to miss out on some of the better parts of life, and missing important information that can impact my work.
-Making assumptions about people, that often lead me to feel uncared about.

My goals are:
-To be in the present and not have my mind get caught up in fruitless negative thinking.
-Not make assumptions about people nor assume the worst, love and have regard for others unconditionally, and be consistent in my behavior with others, rather than the moodiness I tend to have.

My resolutions for 2006 to help get closer to my goals are:
-Whenever I am caught up in fruitless thinking or thoughts that take me away from the "here and now" tell myself "stop the thoughts" and pay attention to the present by focusing on what my senses are taking in.
-Meditate 4 times per week.
-Whenever I find myself passing judgement on others, reminding myself that I do not have all the information about them, stay positive, and do just what is in my control.
-Remind myself of what I have to be thankful for whenever I get caught up in negative thinking.

This way, whoever reads this can hold me accountable by asking me how I'm doing. :) Anyone have new years resolutions they care to share?