Did my headline just remind you of that die-hard goal you set seven months ago?

STOP! Now, before the guilt and the my-life-is-a-complete-failure drama sets in, you should know only 8% of all the people who map out big massive plans for when the clock strikes midnight actually achieve what they had the intention of doing (Diamond).

"The intention of doing"...that right there must be the hardest part. I can think back to that night when the confetti rained down and the whole world was cheering. After all, there is nothing we like more than a new chance. I had the gut feeling of resonance, convinced that this year was going to be different. Starting that beautiful day of January 1st, I felt committed to make the big changes needed to make my life picture-perfect.

The concept of a New Year's resolution is refreshing and empowering, so how come they almost never work? What is it about the goals we set that allow them to slip through the hands of dedicated American dreamers come February?

1. Bigger isn't always better.

Classic Americans have a hard time understanding this one, but most often, a few small changes will be far more effective and long-lasting than the marathon goals we start with. If you haven't been to the gym in a year, then deciding to go everyday will soon enough throw you in with the 92% of people who fail their resolutions. Small changes are easier to track, easier to make, and will slowly but surely shape your lifestyle to support bigger changes down the road. Lifestyle changes occur by breaking the habits that make up your undesired ways, and getting used to a different mindset and perspective on how you view your time on Earth.

2. Life isn't a movie. It's life.

Let me be the first to call you back to Earth. The goals we set have to make sense not for the fairytale society we see Cher dominate in Clueless, but for the reality we live. Goals should be centered around true priorities we believe will have a strong impact on our health and happiness daily. Although it's awesome you want to make it through the year without repeating an outfit, you have to ask yourself if goals so shallow are worth the time and energy. We set goals to achieve the best versions of ourselves, so maybe attacking your procrastination problem comes first, even if that means you have to do it in last week's sweatpants/Birkenstock combo.

3. Your English teacher is right. Explain your answer!

The most important aspect of goal-setting is defining them in a way makes them measurable. I knew a girl a year ago who decided her big goal for the upcoming school year was to just "be happier". Yes, that idiot was me. Those were my big plans. Just be happier! Today, I can't even conclude whether I succeeded or not, because I have no idea what being happy looks like, how I planned to be happy, and what it would look like when I was succeeding at being happy. Goals have to be trackable in terms of your progress. Otherwise, you risk losing all motivation and empowerment when you can't clearly observe your growth.

4. Goals are always in season.

This is the best news: you don't have to wait until January 1st to start making the changes you want to see in your life. If you'd rather wait out the next six months to start your plans, then you may not be all that motivated to make the necessary adjustments at all, even when the new year arrives. Here are some ideas for small, simple changes you can start tomorrow to get on with the life you want to live, but don't induce the pressure and stress surrounding a major resolution.

~ Drink ____ bottles of water each day.

~ Find a new journal, and write down one good thing at the end of each day, to remind you there is joy in even the worst of days.

~ Put your phone away when sitting down to work.

~ Schedule in ten minutes to stretch/meditate/pray every morning to prepare yourself for the day.

~ Arrange a "family day" to spend with your loved ones every other week, and plan out how you will spend your time together.

~ Strive for ____ steps each day, using your Fitbit or iPhone app (even cheaper).

~ Set your alarm clock up on the other side of your room, which forces you to stand up and move before the annoying beeps halt.

~ Tell someone you love or care about them every single day.

~ Change your work environment. Set yourself up an office that keeps you focused, or venture out to the favorite local coffee shop to be productive.

~ Read and meditate on one Bible verse or quote every day.

~ Go wheat-free, gluten-free, meat-free, and/or dairy-free for three weeks.

What about your "oops" days? When you completely forget the goal you're working on, or just don't have the willpower to hold it out?

For God's sake, forgive yourself. You're only human. The best goal-setters know that failing isn't the biggest mistake, but rather failing to get yourself back on track. Losing your way doesn't mean you can no longer strive for the goal you originally set, so don't use it as an excuse.

Do your best, try your hardest, and enjoy the journey. That's what life's about, anyways.

References

Diamond, Dan. "Just 8% of People Achieve Their New Year's Resolutions. Here's How They Do It." Forbes. Forbes Magazine, 1 Jan. 2013. Web. 05 Aug. 2016.