The rumors are no longer are questionable. AT&T’s exclusive three and a half year exclusive deal with Apple as the mobile service provider is coming to an end within one month. Beginning February 10th, 2011 consumers may choose between AT&T and Verizon as their mobile service carrier. When the Apple/AT&T deal was first made public, there was quite a bit of flack as AT&T never had a good, reliable service. While the deal helped save AT&T from a complete failure, the end to this exclusivity may bring an interesting change to AT&T soon after consumers are open to make a switch.

Based far less on just my opinion, AT&T customers (in the majority) aren’t entirely thrilled with the provider. According to a Consumer Reports release back in early December, among the US carriers, AT&T scored dead last…not even close to 2nd to last. It’s no question that many, many AT&T subscribers will make the change when their contract has ended.

One of the bigger concerns within a couple years after Verizon is opened to iPhone customers is whether or not AT&T can survive. Through lack of customer satisfaction of subscribers it is hard to believe they won’t take a serious hit over the next 2 years as people begin switching to a “better” service provider.

The ultimate question is, how will AT&T change their business, offerings and/or service to not only keep their customers but improve upon what they DO have?

I’m predicting AT&T will suffer a serious loss, possibly dropping from our radar pretty quickly – time will tell.

At the beginning of the new year we try to set new goals, improve our lives, create a list of desired accomplishments and make the year better than the last. The big hurdle is sticking with these resolutions, seeking them through 110%. Looking back on your resolutions of 2010, did you accomplish everything (or even 50% of the items) on your list? Sadly, there’s a good possibility most of those things didn’t get any attention for more than a couple months.

I, like you, am a victim of my own bad habits. There’s nobody else to blame for the failures. In one hand I typically set the bar pretty high for myself, sometimes to unrealistic challenges, while other times I keep certain things at levels that aren’t even going to require effort to accomplish.

Now that 2011 is upon us, take an approach that may be a bit different than previous years. Grab a full-size piece of paper and a pen, then write out each goal you have in mind. The order doesn’t matter but just make sure you write them all down including as much detail as possible. Once you’ve done so the next step is very important and probably something you’ve never done before. Next to each goal I want you to write the date you wish to accomplish/reach the goal. Getting specific such as “By March 2011″, “June 1st” or another specific date. Do NOT write “Within 90 days” because that does not set a time frame – the start date has no value. Lastly, go into your calendar such as Outlook, Google Calendar, iCal, or whatever program you use the most, and add all your goals with the corresponding dates attached. Be sure to set up a reminder (even multiple) prior to that date to help make sure you’re on track.

You may be surprised but this approach may very well help you stick to those resolutions unlike years past. For me, this is exactly what I’ve done. In years past I’ve been terrible with using a calendar even in my work/business life, but have been trying to make that change. Now adding goals with dates…I KNOW I’ll be more determined. Measuring my success rate will not only be exciting but educational, and I certainly look forward to hearing how this works for you.

Will you stick to your 2011 resolutions? I’d love to hear how it goes for you.