“New year, new me!”

I’m sure we all know someone who has said this at the beginning of a new year– or perhaps we even stated this as a way of expressing our goals, ambitions, and resolutions for the new year.

Some of the most common resolutions people create and try to stick to are losing weight, eating healthier, spending more time with friends and family, spending less money, traveling more– the possibilities to reinvent and improve ourselves are endless. For many people, however, these resolutions seem impossible to achieve and they give up after a few weeks of trying. Speaking from experience, sticking to your resolutions can be very difficult and you may even want to give up completely, stick to your old habits and hope to do better in the future.

Fortunately, with some careful planning, specific goals, and a reward system, you can stick to your New Year’s resolutions!

1. Focus on one thing at a time.

It can be challenging to eat healthier, save money, learn a new hobby, spend more time with friends and family, exercise every day, and read, write, and travel more all at once. Focus on one goal at a time-- it will be easier to succeed and see long lasting results by doing this.

2. Be specific.

Many people are vague while stating their resolutions and this can make them harder to achieve. Instead of saying "I will exercise more" or "I will save more money," try being particular about what exactly it is you're going to do.

3. Be realistic.

If you've only gone to the gym a few times in the past year, you're not going to be ready to run a Marathon... And that's okay! We are all at different points in our journey. It is much more beneficial and reasonable to create smaller, realistic goals and go from there.

4. Accept challenges.

No matter what our goals are, there will be adversities that make it more difficulty to achieve what we want. Accept those challenges and hardships, because once you do, you will be wiser, brighter, and stronger for overcoming anything that life throws your way.

5. Accept failure.

Going off of my last point-- failure is often times inevitable. Sometimes, our failures can feel so intense that we want to give up completely. Don't beat yourself up for your mistakes! Learn from it, try again and keep on trying, and you will succeed.

6. Reward yourself.

After all, achieving goals is more fun with a little positive reinforcement. When you start accomplishing your goals and start seeing positive changes, treat yourself every once in awhile-- buy that cute shirt, take a much-needed nap, go to the movies... Whatever it is that you really want to do!

7. Go for it!

This one speaks for itself. You have the power to positively change your life this year. I believe in you and I know that with clear goals and hard work, you can succeed.

Happy New Year and good luck with your resolutions everyone!