New Year's resolutions are a custom shared by Babylonians, Romans, and Israel. Studies have shown that people who make resolutions can and do make positive changes. In the parable of the unjust steward, Jesus endorses the concept of making a resolution. In setting goals, we need to: (1) make sure that we do not resolve something on a mere emotional whim, but thoroughly count the cost; (2) set goals high, but have incremental bite-sized goals; (3) use gimmicks to help the process along; (4) select goals that have meaning; (5) involve others in our commitment; and (6) not needlessly tempting ourselves. Any concrete change in behavior takes at least 3 to 6 months to work.