This concept is highly applicable to all kinds of relationships—romantic or business partnerships, friends, parent-child, and more. Imagine a world, in fact, where all relationships begin with a consciously designed alliance, the purpose of which is to create a mutually successful experience!

How might things be different in the scenarios above if alliances had been designed from the start?

Perhaps Sarah and Tom could have taken time before they began living together to talk about what kinds of support they would want from each other. They could have saved themselves quite a bit of discomfort by designing it so that Sarah could have her quiet time in the morning without Tom feeling rejected. Likewise, Tom could make his own requests. Together, they could bring greater clarity and ease to their relationship.

Imagine what life at work would be like if Brian and his boss had designed an alliance at the beginning of Brian’s employment. Brian might have let his boss know that he is most effective when given space to carry out assignments independently. His boss might have asked for a trial run at this way of working together. Although this communication didn’t happen when Brian was first hired, there’s no reason it can’t happen now.

And what if Zoe designed it with Suki that, unless she has proper turn-around time, Suki will have to do the work herself. That might actually inspire Suki to keep to her original schedule, or perhaps even get the work done early! In either case, clear boundaries will make for a much happier working relationship.

Bringing conscious communication and the willingness to listen to and meet each other’s needs is a wonderful way to empower relationships to serve each person. The notion of creating an “alliance” instills the understanding that “we are in this together,” working to consciously design a successful experience for both individuals. What could be better than that?

Ways to Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions

Had trouble keeping your New Year's Resolutions? You’re not alone. Most people who make resolutions fail to keep them. Here are 10 ways to make and keep your New Year’s Resolutions.

1. Make resolutions you care about. Be certain the change you want to make really matters to you, not just something you think you “should” do.

2. Be specific and concrete. Not “Do more marketing” but “Devote six hours each Monday to marketing tasks.” State your goals in incremental, measurable and attainable terms.

3. Make the time. If you want to exercise three times a week, write the dates and times in your calendar.

4. Easy does it. Start slowly. Don’t expect to run a marathon by February if you can’t make six miles now.

5. Do it differently. If you’ve made the same old tired resolution for 10 years and have never been able to keep it, do something different this time.

6. Accentuate the positive. Better to say what you can do rather than what you can’t. Instead of “no procrastination,” say “complete projects in a timely, stress-free manner.”

7. Start over if you need to. Don’t let a slip cause you to quit the whole program.

8. Share your resolutions with a buddy. It’s easier to exercise with a friend, join a book club with your sister-in-law, quit smoking in a supportive group.

9. Believe in yourself. Use positive self-talk, affirmations, encouraging notes on the bathroom mirror.

10. Celebrate your successes. Keep a success journal. Give yourself rewards for succeeding.