Can you believe that we have actually leaped over the hurdle of 1/1/00 and, to boot, most of us came over it without a bug? I don't have any answers as to how and why, and believe me I was extremely nervous to turn on the computer on New Year's Day. Especially since I have had my share of computer fall-outs throughout 1999. But I was a very happy camper when I finally got up the nerve to turn on my computer, click on the calendar and have it clearly stating, January 1, 2000.

Yes, finally the Millennium has arrived and with it comes some extreme pressures regarding our outlooks for change and choices in this historic year.

Most have asked "how do I make, keep and organise my New Year's resolution?'' Or "this is the year I am going to get organised from the beginning and stick with it, that is the first thing on my New Year's resolution list.'' To all who are busy jotting down resolutions or talking about them, stop! Resolutions are easily made and almost always too soon forgotten. My humble advice is to scrap the resolutions and seriously think about setting attainable and realistic goals.

An easy way to assist in setting appropriate goals for yourself is to write them down. Remember our brains do not think in a prioritised fashion, so your chances of realising your goals will be reduced significantly if you do not record them.

Next, go through your list of goals and prioritise them in the order you would like to achieve them.

We all want to have a successful year and one way to be sure you will succeed is to find a major goal for the year that will be extremely rewarding. If the end result is great, then we will be able to work harder at it and not have to worry about forgetting about it. Our other goals can be inter-connected to the major goal. This will make it easier to work towards them, keep on target, and accomplish.

Most of us think of goals as only a mere wish list and don't take the time to map out a precise plan. Try these tips to get off to an organised year: Get busy.Start now! Write down your goals.

Prioritise them. Select a major goal.

Set up a schedule.

Work hard, yes, but remember to work smart Know the difference between working smart and hard If you are having problems with writing down long-term goals, try writing a personal mission statement first.

*** Cindy Swan is a Professional Organiser with over 20 years of office administrative managerial experience and a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers. Address inquiries to Cindy Swan, PO Box 304 St.

George's GEBX or email her at organize y ibl.bm