7 Tips to set and stick to new year's resolutions

New Year's resolutions are a time-honored tradition, a chance for us to reflect on the past year and set goals for the year ahead. It's an exciting time, full of hope and possibility, but it can also be daunting. After all, making a resolution is one thing, but sticking to it is another matter entirely. Studies have shown that only about 8% of people actually achieve their New Year's resolutions. But don't despair! With some careful planning and a bit of perseverance, you can be part of that 8% and achieve the goals you set for yourself.

1. Make specific, measurable goals: It's important to be specific and measurable with your goals to help you track your progress and stay motivated. Instead of resolving to "lose weight" or "save money," try to be more specific with your goals. For example, "lose 10 pounds" or "save $500." This will give you a clear target to work towards and help you see the progress you're making.
   
2. Break your goals into smaller steps: Large goals can be intimidating and overwhelming, so it's important to break them down into smaller, more achievable steps. For example, if your goal is to save money, try to set aside a certain amount each week or month. Or if your goal is to exercise more, start by adding a few short workouts to your week and gradually increase the length and intensity as you become more comfortable. By breaking your goals down into smaller steps, you can stay focused and motivated.
   
3. Find accountability: Having someone to hold you accountable can be a great motivator. You could try enlisting the help of a friend or family member, joining a support group, or hiring a coach or mentor. By sharing your goals with someone else and committing to regular check-ins, you can stay on track and stay accountable. If you have a friend or family member that has the same goal, say weight loss, then you could make a bet about which one of you can hit your goal first. You'll notice even more motivation when there is money on the line!
   
4. Track your progress: It's important to track your progress to see how far you've come and to stay motivated. You could use a planner, journal, or app to keep track of your goals and progress. By regularly reviewing your goals and progress, you can stay on track and make any necessary adjustments you need to reach your goal
   
5. Celebrate your successes: Don't forget to celebrate your achievements along the way! This can help you stay motivated and encouraged to keep going. Whether it's a small victory or a major milestone, take a moment to acknowledge your hard work and give yourself a pat on the back.
   
6. Be flexible: Don't be too hard on yourself if you fall short of your goals. Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and it's important to be flexible and adapt to change. If you need to, adjust your goals or take a break and come back to them later. By being flexible, you can stay focused and motivated even when things don't go exactly as planned.
   
7. Stay motivated: It's natural for motivation to wane over time, so it's important to find ways to keep yourself motivated. You could try rewarding yourself for reaching small milestones, finding a new hobby or activity that keeps you engaged, or setting new goals to work towards. By staying motivated and engaged, you can stay committed to your resolutions and achieve the results you want.

Making and sticking to New Year's resolutions can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By setting specific, measurable goals and breaking them down into smaller steps, you can make progress towards achieving your objectives. Finding accountability, tracking your progress, celebrating your successes, and being flexible can all help you stay motivated and on track. And don't forget to stay motivated! By finding ways to keep yourself engaged and inspired, you can stay committed to your goals and make this years resolutions stick.

It's important to remember that achieving your resolutions will take time and effort, and there may be setbacks along the way. So please be patient with yourself. Don't get discouraged if you don't see immediate results, and be kind to yourself if you falter. It's okay to adjust your goals or take a break and come back to them later. The most important thing is to keep trying and to stay positive. In essence you are trying to trade bad habits for good ones and this will take time.

So go ahead and set those New Year's resolutions, and with a bit of planning and perseverance, you can achieve the goals you set for yourself. Here's to a fresh start and a happy, healthy, and successful new year!