Every year on January 1st millions of people create "New Year's Resolutions" to help them make better lifestyle choices. Some common resolutions are exercising more, eating healthier, saving money, and overall maintaining a healthier, happier lifestyle. All of your social media feeds will be filled with all of your friends' resolutions and all the big changes they will supposedly make.

However by February, these friends are back to old habits. Your friend who said she would go to the gym at least three times a week is going to cancel her membership. Your other friend who said he would eat healthier and was never going to eat pizza or burgers again is back to his old eating habits. You said yourself that you would try to save most of your paychecks and live on the minimum amount of money so that you could have money for next semester's tuition and textbooks.

It's hard to make lasting changes in life.

So "New Year's Resolutions" friends, don't get discouraged as your resolutions actually are hard to implement. To make real, lasting changes make small adjustments to your daily lives. Maybe your diet and exercise regimes aren't sticking because you can't make that many changes at once. Start out with little changes; an added serving of fruits or vegetables to a meal, a few more exercise sessions than you did last week. Change is possible with the new year, but only if you stick with your plans.

Here are 5 tips to help you be successful in your New Year's Resolutions:

1. Make small changes.

A small change can lead to a big result! Remember that change takes time and things may not be easy at first.

2. Change one thing at a time.

One of the problems with making multiple resolutions is that you are less likely to stick to all of them. Try changing one aspect of your life at a time. If you plan to diet, don't cut out all carbs, sugars, and fats at once. Try making better choices at each meal. Grab a serving of vegetables instead of the french fries!

3. Share your experience.

Your friends are probably in the same boat as you! Millions of people are trying to make lasting changes, so you are not alone. If your friends really are your friends, they will support you in your new endeavors. (Just don't overpost or overshare!)

4. Track your progress.

You may not notice the changes immediately, but if you stick with it, you'll definitely begin to see results!

5. Don't give up.

It may seem hard at first, but these changes will benefit you in the long run!

I hope that your year has gotten off to a great start and I wish you the best of luck with your resolutions!