The New Year is here and it’s time to make resolutions and check if you’ve stuck to yours for the past year. It’s an exciting time where you can reflect on the past year and look forward to what next year has to offer! Here are some tips for making and keeping your resolutions for the upcoming year.

1. Be Specific

You are more likely to stick to your resolutions if they are more distinct and less general. For example, instead of saying that you want to exercise more, say that you will go for an hour run three times a week. Or for example, if you would like to read more this year, make it your resolution to read a book each month.

2. Series of Steps

Establish exactly what you will do to reach that eventual goal. Think about smaller steps that lead to success. Writing them out will help you remember them through the process. Try hanging your list somewhere that is visible to you each day. It will be a reminder of the small steps you can take throughout the day to help you reach your goals.

3. Be Realistic

Set a goal that is attainable for you personally and remember, what may be plausible for someone else might not be for your lifestyle. Reflect on what you have been able to accomplish in the past. If you set a goal that was unattainable in the past, try altering it or sizing it down a bit to make it more realistic. Set yourself up for success.

4. Believe in Yourself

Have a positive mind set even though it might get difficult during the process of reaching your goal. You are more likely to accomplish a goal if you have confidence in yourself. Seek out inspiring and motivating messages and when you find ones that speak to you, bookmark them or print them out. Reread them when you’re having a hard time motivating yourself.

5. Don’t Give Up

If you slip up and mess up on your goal, do not completely give up on it. If you’re having a hard day, take a deep breathe, go to sleep and restart the next day. Don’t throw away your hard work and diligence over one slip-up or bad day.

Happy New Year!