With Christmas approaching swiftly, we’re starting to look toward 2021. A new year is loaded with potential and usually leads people to make New Year’s resolutions. 

Many people find it simple to make a resolution but keeping up with the goal is where problems come up. 

According to an article from Verywell Mind, “In one study, only around 12% of people who make New Year’s resolutions felt that they were successful in achieving their goal.”

The article goes on to say that the most common New Year’s resolutions are to exercise regularly, to make better financial choices, to stick to a healthier diet, and to spend more time with family. 

Here are a few tips for your New Year’s resolutions: 

• Do not wait till January first to come up with resolutions. Think about how you might better yourself in advance.
• Set a realistic goal that you can achieve. 
• Start a plan and write out how your resolution will fit into your life.
• Even if you miss a few days of your resolution, do not just quit; keep trying. You do not have to be perfect to make a difference in your life. 
• Have a friend or a family member hold you accountable for keeping up with your goal. 
• Celebrate when you are successful in continuing your resolutions. 
• Be okay with a change in your resolution because of unexpected things. 
• Always keep in mind what you are working to gain so you never lose track of your goal.  

Any goal that is self-benefiting is worth taking the necessary steps to achieve it. Being able to keep up with a goal from January to December is an amazing accomplishment that, with the right mindset, anyone can do. 

“The meaning of resolution is ‘a firm decision to do or not to do something,’” said writer Catherine Pulsifer. “The key words are ‘firm decision.’ If you make a firm decision about something then you must also take action and set a deadline, in other words, set a goal!”