Vows and Oaths

[Finch]

If someone wishes to make a promise or oath before G-d to begin working on a certain character trait, what would be the proper way to do this? For example, if someone wanted to be more diligent in their work day, and felt they would be more apt to focus on this character attribute if they made a promise/oath to G-d in this regard covering a set amount of time, what would be the proper way to make this promise? I have read the chapter related to this in the Divine Code Volume I, but I am not sure I completely understand when making such an oath or promise is acceptable, or how to go about stating the promise in a way that is acceptable.

thanks!