Although you probably don’t remember the New Year's resolution that I posted on Facebook a year ago, I am writing this follow-up blog to report “mission accomplished” and to offer tips for using this new year to conquer something on your DIY to-do list. I've never been a New Year's resolution kind of person – and I’m certainly not an authority – but I can testify that this approach can work for non-goal-driven souls like me.

Don't get me wrong: I love doing home-improvement projects. It's just that those nonessential (not-so-impressive) details at the end of a project often get neglected as I move on to the next shiny idea. For example, these balcony and stairway railings were installed by our cabin's previous owner but left unfinished. (I suspect he had the same tendency to bail before the details are completed.) With lots of other (more fun) projects beckoning, my husband and I hadn't added "poly-coat the railings" to our long to-do list. That’s where Facebook came in.

A year ago, I was just getting my feet wet in the social-media pool. In thinking of a New-Year's-theme post, I came up with a "statement of good intention" (a weak version of a resolution) for 2011: to apply clear finish to our cedar spindles and railings. Once I’d posted my intentions, I had three realizations:
1) I had broadcast a commitment to thousands of readers.
2) Other people were inspired and joining in, so I felt obligated to follow through.
3) I had a firm deadline: December 31, 2011.

It worked! We added the project to our list, and it became a priority. My husband (who’s not a procrastinator) applied the first coat while I was away for one weekend in January. The second phase happened close to the end-of-year deadline because, well, I am a procrastinator. But by December 31 the railings and spindles were finished (as in done)!

I didn’t count the spindles until after the project was finished. (It was good to be in denial beforehand.) Now I can report that we sanded, dusted, coated, sanded, dusted and coated 71 spindles, 7 posts and 14 rails. And we finished on December 2: just in time for a 2012 resolution. Whew!

Although we knew a couple of coats of polyurethane wouldn't affect the functionality of these spindles, the finish did improve their feel and enhance their beauty. For the amount of time and work this "optional" task involved, I needed the incentive of a Facebook declaration to accomplish it.

Tips for Success
Everyone has a pesky project like this just waiting to be tackled. I encourage you to make use of Facebook or to comment on this blog and declare your resolution for 2012. Here are three tips for success:
•    Make it now. The year is underway, and you still have almost 12 months to accomplish your mission.
•    Make it known. Tell the world – here or on Facebook – or tell a friend. Accountability is key.
•    Make it tangible and attainable. If the goal is too mushy or too much, you likely won't accomplish it. For example, I didn't just say I would "finish up some uncompleted tasks." And I didn't resolve to "poly-coat all of the unfinished wood in the cabin."

Now that I met this goal, I'm inspired to post another. I'm still thinking of one. Comment here to tell us what you accomplished in 2011 and/or what you aim to do in 2012.