No plan survives contact with the enemy, or in the case of new year's resolutions, with the year. But planning is nevertheless sometimes quite valuable - as long as we're aware of the limitations, and think about strategies that are flexible and generically useful.

This January first, we will plan for the year ahead, but not in the style of new year's resolutions and imposing edicts on our future selves. Instead, we'll each individually step back, consider our priorities and possible long range plans, with a spirit of curiosity and the goal of realistically determining what will happen if we choose different strategies.