For many, the new year involves new goals to work towards and changes to your everyday lifestyle. New year, new me, right? Did you know that on average, only 8% of people achieve their New Year goals? And, in 2017 32% of people didn’t plan on even making New Year’s resolutions for the upcoming year. So, if you didn’t achieve your goal(s) or even bother making any, just know you’re not alone!

One of the main reasons so many of us are against New Year’s resolutions, or ditch our goals within a few weeks, is because we pick resolutions that are not meaningful or are too farfetched. Rachel Cole, life coach, explains that “oftentimes we get swept up in popular resolution group-think: Lose weight! Find more life balance! Save enough to buy those designer shoes!” With that said, it is important to select authentic goals that are unique to you and your personal values. You must be thinking, how do I pick an authentic goal? Well, here are 3 tips for picking New Year’s resolutions that you can stick with!

1 Why? Think about why you are choosing the resolution you want to achieve this year. Why do I want to exercise more? Or, why do I want to save more money? Is your goal choice influenced by what everyone else seems to be doing, or will your goal add value and create a positive effect on your life like gaining more confidence in yourself? How about opting for a Confidence Coaching class or have a personal mentor? Whatever it be, write down a list of reasons why you want to achieve your chosen goal. If you feel your list of reasons will bring you happiness, joy, love, etc., and it is something you are truly passionate about, go for it! For example, I have been thinking about completing a life coach certification online and it’s going to be a resolution for me this year – I’m passionate! That’s an example for my ‘why?’.

2. How? Once you have determined your resolution, think about how you are going to reach your goal(s). You can do this by creating an action plan! For example, are you trying to save money so you can buy a house? If this is your ultimate goal you need to know exactly what to do to achieve it by setting multiple sub-goals. For instance, you’ll need to save up money, build your credit, or possibly even increase your income. Write down your sub-goals as well as the steps you will need to take to reach each goal. Cross out each sub-goal when you complete it and this will help you realize the progress you have made and encourage you to keep working towards your ultimate goal.

3. Stick with it! The resolution you set for the New Year is an ongoing lifestyle change that cannot happen overnight. It’s important to create reminders to keep yourself on track and set aside some time to review your progress. You may have minor setbacks along the way, but that doesn’t mean you should give up. Setbacks are common and they are no excuse to stop working towards your goal. Keep persevering!

Setting New Year’s resolutions involves more than simply stating what you want to achieve in the new year. You have to clearly define what you want to achieve and how you are going to achieve it. What tips do you have for setting New Year’s resolutions?