Goals have determination and staying power. Goals can take it on the chin, and keep comin' back for more. It's simply a matter of modifying your goals in the face of temporary failure. Instead of taking one giant leap, you can break up a goal into 2 or 3 manageable steps. Many strokes overthrow the tallest oaks.
Resolutions are more of a verbal or mental affirmation, while goals beg to be put on the page.
I resolve to be more attentive to my wife this year. They can be referred to often, just to make sure you're on the right path. Writing it out keeps all your geese in a row. Once you achieve a goal you can pat yourself on the back, stand a little taller, and move on to the next goal. Nothing fires you up more than success.