I'm willing to bet you will hear the word “resolution” to the point of exhaustion by the time the end of this month rolls around. But you won't hear me bashing the tradition. I've always been a believer that setting a goal is the first step you take towards completing it. So you'll get nothing but smiles from me when asked, “What's your New Year's resolution?”

For me, measuring true success in goal setting has always meant knowing where the finish line is, no matter what month. I rediscovered that a few months ago, literally, when I completed my first triathlon. The course — which consisted of a six-mile kayak, a 5.5 mile run, and an 18-mile bike ride — was an intimidating half-day trek for someone who once winced at running a 5K charity race.

I immersed myself for several months in training and planning for the big race. When the day finally came, I pushed my kayak into the chilly, early-morning rapids of the Little Miami River, a bit nervous but ready for what faced me. Three hours and 11 minutes later, I crossed the finish line on my bike and flopped to the ground in exhaustion amidst cheering from complete strangers.

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