Every year, you tell yourself you’re going to change for the better. You’ll get rid of all your nasty habits: no more procrastinating, more exercising and no desserts! Sadly, temptation kicks in, and you, of course, had no other choice but to give in. If you approached resolution-making in the right way, however, some of these goals may become more attainable.

1. Pick something you've wanted to change for a while

If you're trying to fix a temporary habit, chances are you won't feel as motivated to since it hasn't affected you in the long term yet. While it may be easier to quit because it's new, you won't feel as guilty if you happen to cave in.

2. Find a way to track your progress

Whether it be buying a new calendar and colorful pens or taking before/after photos, tracking your progress will make you feel more accomplished as you stick by your resolution. If the resolution is something that can't be tracked by measuring, try writing about how you feel so you can go back and see how much you've changed over time!

3. Pick a realistic goal

This step is by far the most important one. You will give up far too easily if you strive for something way out of your reach because it may be too difficult. Once you reach a small goal, you can always create a tougher one afterward; this way, you'll feel a great sense of accomplishment too.

4. Start right on New Year's Day

Especially if your goal is to not procrastinate, don't put it off. If you don't get started immediately, you may lack the motivation to start later on.

5. Give yourself some days off

Scheduling some days off, especially for goals that involve physical lifestyle changes, allow for you to stay on track. Without these days off, you may get tired of pushing yourself so hard, physically and mentally, and taking an unexpected day off could turn into weeks off, months off and maybe even the whole year off. Without these well-deserved breaks, you'll somehow convince yourself that since you already messed up, there's no point in trying again.

6. Take it one step at a time

In addition to picking a realistic goal, be reasonable with how quickly you jump into it. Exhausting yourself, in the beginning, will only set you up to give up sooner because you'll become too tired. Building up to your maximum potential will ease you into this new routine so smoothly that you won't even notice!