If you're like most people, your New Year's resolutions are beginning to crumble and you're wondering why you even bothered. What made you set your goals so high? Did you really believe you'd be able to maintain a high-protein diet, get more sleep, and take a bath once a week?

What were you thinking when you resolved to replace your daily serving of bean sprouts with a chocolate bar? Who were you fooling when you resolved to watch six hours of TV every day, play the lottery, and run three miles a year?

OK, perhaps you did get carried away. Perhaps you expected too much out of yourself. But don't despair. You're not alone. Millions of others are also kicking themselves, struggling to salvage the last remnants of their resolutions, wondering which store, if any, might sell them an ounce of willpower.

For some, the end came too soon. They resolved to do less drinking, but found themselves, on New Year's Day, having an intimate conversation with the toilet bowl. "You here again? Me too. Small world!"

For others, it lasted a little longer. They resolved to do more reading, but found themselves, a week into January, unable to enjoy the words scrolling across CNN.

If that doesn't comfort you, perhaps you'll take solace in the failings of celebrities. Making resolutions has been a futile task for some:

• Winona Ryder: She resolved to lift weights every day, but the only thing she feels like lifting is a shop.
• Whitney Houston: She resolved to lose 150 pounds, but hasn't yet found the courage to ask her husband to leave.
• Pam Anderson: She resolved to gain 20 pounds, but doctors have advised her against getting new implants.
• Tipper Gore: She resolved to be less sensitive about her weight, but couldn't help taking offense when she overheard a waiter at a posh restaurant describing her as a "very big Tipper."
• George W. Bush: He resolved to improve his diet by cutting back on "animal foods," but so far, he has managed to say 'no' only to horseradish.
• Evander Holyfield: He resolved to spend more time with his children, but he's having too much trouble finding them.

So what if you'll never be as svelte as Oprah Winfrey? So what if you'll never be as graceful as Al Gore? So what if you'll never be as honest as Martha Stewart? At least you're unique!

Another solution is to set daily and monthly goals -- and keep them realistic. Small goals help you achieve big goals. If you're hoping to compete in the New York City Marathon, don't try to run 26 miles right away. Begin by doing 26 laps around your coffee table. If you faint halfway, don't worry.

You can try again tomorrow.

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