New Year's has passed, and many people seize the opportunity to reinvent or improve themselves in honor of the new year. Many people make resolutions, start working on them but eventually fall off track and never get back on. It is important when setting goals, to take them seriously and stick with them. Your resolution can be so much more than empty promises you make to yourself and others.

Be sure to make clear goals. Having vague goals adds fogginess to your mission. For example, instead of saying "I want to make good grades this year" as a goal, be more specific "I want to make the Dean's List this year." Clear goals are easier to keep track of and set a clear path for. By making clear goals you can better hold yourself accountable.

Holding yourself accountable is very important. You can practice accountability by setting certain milestones at specific times. You may want to keep a journal or have a partner to check in with to make sure you hold yourself accountable.

Celebrate your achievements! After reaching each milestone reward yourself because you deserve it. This also gives you something to look forward to and will keep you on track.

If you fall off of your path to success, be sure to get back up and get back to it. There will be times when you sway or come up short but that is natural. Just be sure to see where you went wrong and make sure that it doesn't happen again.

It is possible to accomplish New Year's Resolutions. If you take them seriously, hold yourself accountable, and stay on track you will be able to achieve your goals.