I know what you’re thinking.

“Wait, why? It’s not even February yet. I can’t give up on my goals this fast!”

And that’s exactly why you should take your list and throw it away.

New Year’s Resolutions lists are made with the idea in mind that a new year is a new, fresh start. That it’s a clean slate. But ask yourself: Am I really a different person from two or three weeks ago? Did the ball drop and everything that prevented me from achieving my goals last year change or go away? Chances are that they did not, and by thinking this year is a clean slate or a completely new beginning, you are setting yourself up for failure.

We aren’t Cinderella. We aren’t immediately changing into new people at the strike of the clock. Change takes time, effort, and energy. So this year, I encourage you to throw those lists away and instead work on creating focused task to-do lists.

Instead of: I want to eat healthy this year.

Try: I want to eat three different fruits a day.

Instead of: I want to lose 20 pounds this year

Try: I want to go to the gym on Mondays and Thursdays for one hour.

Instead of: I want to be less stressed this year

Try: I want to meditate for 30 minutes a week.

Basically, try to keep your goals focused, measurable, and realistic. While resolutions are made with good intentions, the problem is that they are too long-term and don’t actually take into consideration other factors in an individual’s life. As long as you avoid falling into those pitfalls, you should be on your way to leading a more healthier, happier, and fuller life.