I'm not one to tell anyone what to do, but I am about to do just that. Not because you should listen to me, but because you should listen to yourself. Most of us keep a consistent gap between what we want to do and what we need to do, and it is our own lack of discipline that keeps us from reaching our goals.

So, I wanted to come up with a quick list of New Years Resolutions that black folks should observe. Commitment to your individual resolutions opens the door for your personal revolution, as 2010 can and should be the greatest year of your entire life.

1) Get your money right: Our financial liberation is the key to our social, spiritual and psychological liberation. Save 10 percent of your income, no less. If you can afford to tithe, then you can afford to save. Also, find a way to own something - stocks, your home, a business, anything. As I mention in my article about the "Half Million Dollar Happy Meal," your money should be alive, growing and it should be working for you.

2) Stand up for something greater than yourself: Most of us leave the struggle for fairness and equality up to other people. We sit and complain about the Jesse Jacksons and Al Sharptons, but we don't do anything ourselves. Well, I'm sorry to tell you this, but the fight belongs to ALL OF US. There is something to be said about the old saying, "What would Jesus do?" Jesus would stand up for the poor and do what's right, and all of us have the ability to do the same thing. This year, find a cause you believe in and support it with all your heart. The greatest black leader in the history of the world is the one you see in the mirror.

3) Get educated: Education is one of the most critical keys to wealth building in America. Embrace the value of education in yourself and push it onto your children. Help them to understand that learning is a lifelong process, and that you must be educated in order to compete for jobs and opportunities. Additionally, the greatest weapon against racism is an intelligent and enlightened mind.

4) Get healthy: African Americans are usually at the top of every negative health statistic imaginable. Our likelihood of confronting the challenges of diabetes, heart disease and HIV/AIDS come from a stern neglect of annual check-ups, exercise, good choices and proper diet. The new decade should be a time where we eat smart and step up our game when it comes to taking care of ourselves and our loved ones.

5) Find and cherish the love in your life: Whether you realize it or not, life is a journey of love. When you are on your death bed, you won't remember the financial deals you made or the academic degrees you obtained. But you are surely going to remember the people you loved along the way and whether they loved you back. Don't wait until your loved ones are dead to tell them how you feel; tell them how you feel right NOW, and share that love every single day of your life.

In the year 2010 you are destined to be great. Don't embrace mediocrity and stomp out ignorance wherever you find it. Set your goals and achieve them, for this is the time to grow.

Dr. Boyce Watkins is a professor at Syracuse University. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.