Never Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions? Here’s How to Change That For Good

In the days leading up to January, you might have been putting together your annual list of New Year’s resolutions—you know, working out more often, reading more books, curbing your shoe addiction, etc. But if you’re anything like us, years of #resolutionfails could be keeping you from making them altogether.

In the spirit of turning over a new leaf, don’t give up just yet: Maybe it’s not the actual resolutions that are the problem, but how you’re making them. The biggest mistake is that people set goals that are too big, find themselves falling short, and then end up feeling worse than when they started.

The problem could also lie in why you’re making the resolution. If it’s just punishment for not doing what you wanted last year, then you’re done before you start.

Good luck following through this time around, and happy 2015!

1. Set small, attainable, and specific goals. In other words, be realistic. Pick one area of focus and accomplish that goal before moving on. It’s not about how many times you fall, but how quickly you get back on track!
2. Be positive about yourself. Make your resolution something that celebrates you, keeps you on the path to the human you want to be. And keep it interesting. So instead of food-shaming yourself, set a goal to make tasty and healthy snacks instead of resorting to the junk-food-filled vending machine. And don’t forget to recruit your friends for support.
3. Surround yourself with positive people. Hang out with people who are already achieving what you want to achieve and people that will cheer you on. We become who we spend time with. Have someone keep you accountable. And don’t beat yourself up by comparing your progress against a friend’s forward motion. “Compare yourself to yourself.
4. Write it all down. Studies show that those who write down their goals have a higher success rate in achieving their goals than those who don’t, so make sure you keep track either on your phone or in a notepad.

What made your list of resolutions this year? We want to know! Share your goals with us and other readers in the comments section.