Hoping to make it to the gym more consistently or start eating clean? Perhaps you're trying to be a more positive person, trying to save money, or gain motivation to go back to school. Whatever your resolution for 2017, chances are you're already concerned that you won't be able to follow through for the whole year. Here are some psychological strategies that have been scientifically proven to help keep you on track.

1. Make sure you are setting goals for yourself and not others.

Often times, the goals you set are actually others' goals for you. Reassess your goals and make sure whatever the goal is, you achieve it for yourself.

2. Take control of your own goals.

YOU are the only person who should control what the goal is and the means of achieving it.

3. Try to resist instant gratification.

It can be really easy to say "just this one dessert" or "just this one online purchase", but resisting impulses like that is the only way you'll truly reach your goals. And trust me, the feeling of having resisted a temptation will be much more satisfying than a cheat meal, a skip day at the gym, or a shopping splurge.

4. Break larger goals into smaller ones.

It is a lot simpler to accomplish small tasks that lead up to the primary goal at your own pace than it is to try to accomplish a giant goal all at once. Progress is a great way to maintain motivation!

5. Reward yourself after completing small goals.

If your goal is to save up money for a summer vacation and you reach a small goal of saving $500, it is key to continue to save it. Rewarding yourself in that instance would not mean spending $100 on new clothes; instead, brag about your accomplishment! Let others know that you're on your way to going on a fancy trip.

6. Write down your goals.

Sometimes seeing your goals laid out in front of you can help you stay on track because once you achieve them, you can cross them out, highlight them, or check them off. There really is no better feeling than being able to say "I did that!"

7. Confront obstacles and setbacks.

Backing away from your goals is not an option. When times get tough, you must get tougher. Admitting that it's hard is okay, and struggling is okay. As long as you stay positive and accept the fact that obstacles exist, you'll be able to overcome them.

8. Start early in the day on a Monday.

Research says that individuals who start earlier on Mondays are more likely to maintain their motivation to accomplish their goal. That is not to say that you can't or shouldn't start on another day; whenever you feel like you're ready to begin your journey is a great time to start. Again, take control over your goals and how you plan to achieve them.

9. Make it pleasurable.

This can be difficult, as finding pleasure in something you're not naturally inclined to do is, well, unnatural. Still, it's possible. If your goal is to lose weight or gain muscle, try the buddy system. It can help keep you accountable for working out if you know someone else is relying on you.

10. Ask for praise.

Taking the first step towards a goal is scary and hard, but continuing to take steps towards it can be even more difficult. So, use those bragging rights to your advantage! If you've lost five pounds, boast about it. If you've been to the gym five days a week instead of three for two weeks straight, boast about it. Whatever it is, no matter how big or small, you deserve to be called out on a job well done. With that said, be the one to praise others, too!

11. Use negative emotions as motivation.

Are you mad because you gained back a pound? Did you cave in and buy a pair of shoes you don't need? Take the anger, frustration, disappointment, and regret you feel and use it to work harder. Sometimes negative emotions are the difference between staying on track and continuing in a downward spiral.

12. Visualize the long-run picture.

If you remind yourself of the purpose of your goal, you are more likely to keep yourself motivated and interested in continuing working towards it. We are naturally inclined to think about the short-run and give in to temptations in front of us, but if you have enough willpower to resist them, we will reach our goals more effectively.

13. Put your money where your goal is.

For those of you trying to save up, this is literally what you should do. But for those trying to lose weight or continue their education, taking money from unnecessary places such as Netflix/Hulu/Pandora/Spotify subscriptions, take-out meals, and shopping splurges can really help you save money faster for healthier foods or required classes.

14. Find a mantra or slogan.

Slogans such as Nike's "Just Do It" or mantras such as "Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try" that speak to you before you start working towards your goal can help you stay motivated throughout the journey. Remind yourself of the reason why you started in the first place, and keep pushing forward. If you believe in yourself, anything is possible.