2019 is almost over and it's just about that time to start making your new year's resolution. Eating healthier, losing weight, being more punctual, saving more are all popular resolutions, but falling off the train and staying off tends to be the norm and no one seems to care to change that.

This year, I'm starting my new year's resolution a month early. Instead of being in the crowd of all the people who are waiting to change their lifestyle, take charge and start today. Take one step today. Write about what you want to change, improve, and stay the same. Know your goals and know how to celebrate small victories to help you get to your end goal.

For me, I want to be consistent with eating healthy. I have a tendency to "cheat" more often than I would like. I'd like to be more disciplined and keep the momentum going when I'm doing well instead of throwing it off because I "deserve it." And by starting early, taking charge is exciting and actually helpful to your mindset going in.

It's pretty well known that people end up quitting on their New Year's resolutions before January is over. A study shows that about 80% of Americans have given up before February. 80%! How can we be so gung ho about something just three or four weeks before the new year and only last about that long?

That's why I believe in starting your change in December. It takes 21 days to form a habit. Start early December and be consistent with it. By the new year, you'll have already created a foundation for that habit and it will make it that much easier to stick with the change you want to make. And even if you fall off the wagon, it'll probably be at the time that everyone else is starting their change so the inspiration and excitement from everyone else starting in January will motivate you to get back on it.

Take some quiet time and reflect on your past year. What are some things that you did well? What are some things you want to change completely? Self-awareness is the key to making real change. Excuses will always be there, but it's how you plan to tackle them that'll keep you going. Choose to take charge and start your New Year's resolutions today!