While New Year's seems an opportune time to make resolutions, it's important to remember that it's literally just another day - you can start your resolution today, or any other day that's not the first on January. However, if you choose to start 2018 on the right foot, then are some tips on how to stick to your New Year's resolution.

If you find yourself making the same resolution over and over, maybe it's not the most realistic. To combat this, think about an area that you think you can personally improve on - rather than implement a radical change. For example, eating healthier and going to the gym more may be an easier resolution than losing twenty pounds. Cutting back on bad habits may be easier than ridding yourself of them completely.

Breaking resolutions down into smaller steps can help avoid any unrealistic expectations, which may lead to further disappointment and then giving up your goal altogether. Remember that keeping to a resolution is a process, not a solution. For example, if you quit a bad habit, you must keep at it. Or if you lose the amount of weight you wanted to, then you have to work as to not putting it back on.

It's important to break your resolution down and work on it one step at a time.

Reinforce positive language when talking about your resolutions - particularly when it comes to seeing them though. Remind yourself of the positives of going through the desired steps, then thinking negatively and affecting your progress.

Keep track of your progress. It takes three weeks to build a habit, so by the time two months is over, it should feel much easier to reach your resolution. If it hasn't worked out by then, then you may need to reevaluate and find where it didn't work - for example, you may need to try breaking it down into even smaller steps.

Talk about your goals to your friends and family. Even if they don't have the same goals, the more you remind them of yours, the more they will support you and maybe even keep you focused if they notice you slipping up. Having a support system is important because it may keep you from giving up your resolution - but it doesn't have to come from people you know.

There are plenty of online communities dedicated to the most common resolutions, and if your resolution requires a social setting, such as a gym (to lose/gain weight) or library (to read more), you may be able to meet additional people whom will be able to support and inspire you there.

Speaking of inspiration, it's important to surround yourself with media or success stories of people who have already achieved your goals. The inspiration can be useful to keep you going, as well.

Feel free to splurge - within limit - to help you achieve your goal. Owning a gym membership or expensive exercise equipment may encourage you to use it. Owning a vast selection of books may encourage you to read more. Buying healthier food may encourage you to eat better, due to lack of junk food, and the list goes on.

Don't forget that it's okay to ask for help from professionals. Not only is it their job to help you, but they have a better grasp on what you're attempting to do, possibly from scratch. Sometimes, professional help can even motivate people once they feel like they've messed up on the path to achieve their resolution. Not only will they help motivate you to keep going, but they may even be able to tell you how.

Lastly, don't forget to celebrate your successes along the way! If you find yourself achieving your resolution before the end of 2018, then build on it to further improve yourself.