Everyone wants to make changes in their lives, but few really know how to translate those changes into action steps that work to consistently move us forward in our endeavors. Author M.J. Ryan tells us we really can finally change a bad habit, learn a new skill, and achieve a new goal if we have the right tools to help us along. In her new book, This Year I Will..., she offers practical, motivating tips and advice on everything from changing jobs to losing weight to finding true love.

Ryan is the author of The Happiness Makeover and co-creator of the Random Acts of Kindness series, which have sold millions of copies. She writes with warmth and personality as she inspires us to break down our big goals into realistic smaller steps, and to keep ourselves motivated when we don’t see immediate results. As in many other motivational books out there, she covers the basics of putting a stop to negative self-talk, implementing a plan of action for different time periods, gathering the support of friends and allies, and running toward what we desire instead of away from what we don’t want.

Filled with tons of tips and ideas for making lasting and effective change, This Year I Will... is a small book that can have a big impact on your life - if you put the stuff to work, that is. Because, as they say in A.A., it only works if you work it.