For most of us, a new year means a new list of resolutions. With demands from career, family and everyday life, we often find ourselves giving in and eventually giving up. Here are some tips for keeping your resolutions and taking steps to make yourself healthier and happier.

Baby Steps. As opposed to setting rigid goals, try setting goals that will change with you and allow for some flexibility and growth. For example, if your goal is to lose 30 pounds by July, break your goal into smaller pieces to track your progress. 30 pounds sounds like a lot, but losing 10 pounds every two months is not so scary.

Blueprints. You can’t build a skyscraper without a blueprint. Figuring out how to attain your goal is just as important as setting it. If your goal is to lose 10 pounds in two months, create a blueprint for achieving it.

Be Flexible. Don’t create a rigid plan. Creating a plan that is flexible, like exercising for 30 minutes three times a week, (as opposed to “going to the gym”) allows you to adapt your goal to your lifestyle. Exercise can mean walking your dog, jogging or rock climbing. Create an action plan that’s specific enough to track, but gives you room to rule out monotony.

Daydream. When you start getting discouraged, envision yourself a year from now, your goal achieved. Literally close your eyes and daydream. Let the feeling of accomplishing your goal fill you up – how do you feel now that your goal is realized? When you snap back to
reality, chances are, you won’t want that cookie anyway.

Really Get it. Invest time into understanding your goal. Know the potential setbacks before you begin. Learn about quitting smoking, getting out of debt, fighting food cravings, volunteering – or whatever your goal is. Read about your goal, join a support group, or ask for help. Be prepared by equipping yourself with the facts.

  • Mission possible. Don’t set an impossible goal. Keep your lifestyle in mind. Aim high, but set goals within reach.
  • Tell your friends. Letting others know your goal will make you more likely to achieve them. Challenge a friend to accomplish their goals with you. Start a healthy competition with family, friends or coworkers if it will make you more invested in your goal.
  • Don’t sweat setbacks. One mistake does not undo your entire goal or the rest of the year. If you gave in to temptation, revisit your goal and the reason you set it. A simple reminder is often enough to get you back on track.
  • Reward yourself. When you lose that first ten pounds, buy yourself a new pair of jeans to celebrate and motivate you to losing the next ten.
  • Track your progress. Don’t wait until December 2012 to revisit your goals. Keep your resolutions in a visible place and look at them. Set reminders on your calendar to look over your goals and remind yourself why you created them in the first place.
  • Be accountable. Don’t make excuses for falling short. Look at what went wrong and adjust your blueprint in a way that will help you accomplish your goals moving forward.
  • Don’t stress. Resolutions should make you happier. Don’t waste the year being disappointed in yourself. Keep moving forward and remember why you set your goals in the first place: to be the best version of yourself!