An annual ritual that permeates our society is the making and subsequent breaking of New Year’s resolutions. The excitement of a new year promises new memories, unknown challenges and endless opportunities, yet they slowly fade as January comes to a close. The once crowded gyms and health food joints that cater to New Year’s Resolution enthusiasts are slowly deserted. Once the overused, “I haven’t seen you since last year!” jokes begin to subside, the abandonment of newly made goals and regression to old habits begins to recur. February marks the beginning of the end for the newly formed resolutions of many people. As busy schedules and tempting old habits seize the attention of these once motivated individuals, many are persuaded to slack, which eventually ends in forgoing their resolutions all together.

Around 45 percent of Americans make resolutions every year. And of that 45 percent, one in three will give up on reaching their target goals. This is where we begin an annual cycle of making goals, striving to achieve those goals and making excuses when failing them.

However, this cycle does not have to persist. Whether you accomplish or bail on your New Year’s resolutions is completely up to you. The good news is there is an abundance of strategies for those who are struggling with keeping their self-made promises.

First things first, it is important to evaluate the practicality of your resolutions. You cannot expect yourself to make a 180-degree life change overnight. Smaller, more gradual changes are an easier pill to swallow, and will be much easier to achieve. Take it one day at a time.

Secondly, staying positive can be a big factor in one’s level of motivation. Do not worry about minor slips in your plan. A mistake here or there does not mean you have fallen off the bandwagon all together. The most important aspect of failing is one’s response to failure.

And finally, find ways to work your goals into your daily routine. For example, if your resolution revolves around fitness or weight loss, make room in your schedule for an hour at the gym a few days a week.

One should stick with their resolutions because the fact that you have made a resolution in the first place shows a desire for self improvement. This is a monumental task, which is much easier said than done. However, with persistence and self discipline, this daunting task is well within your reach. As cliché as it sounds, with the right mindset you can make 2016 a year for the books. Don’t give up on yourself just yet.