Now with the new year around the corner, many begin pondering how they can become a better version of themselves in that time. The practice of setting New Year’s resolutions is a popular one, but if you’re like most people, you may have a long history of struggling to stick to your goals. But seeing your resolutions through  whether it’s losing weight, getting organized or picking up a new skill  can sometimes seem like a daunting task.

This guide will help you make New Year’s resolutions that inspire you and that they have a well-thought-out plan behind them so they stick. And we will describe 10 actionable steps you can take to actually make meaningful resolutions; along with tips on how to stick to them through the year. Let’s dive in!

1. Reflect on the Past Year

(Ideal for: Self-Reflective Souls, Set-Goals and Get-Things-Done People or Setting Intentions Anyone)

Before establishing new goals, it can be helpful to review the year that’s behind you. Consider what worked, what didn’t and the lessons you’ve learned. This time of year, taking stock of what has worked for you in the past as well as what hasn’t can help provide some insight into how you truly want to accomplish in the next calendar year.

Why It’s Important:

Helps you understand your own strengths and weaknesses

This helps you recognize patterns and repeated challenges

Paves the way for more intentional and realistic goal setting

Action Tip:

Spend 30 minutes writing down what you are most proud of in the last year, and the biggest missteps you have made. This reflection will help you select resolutions that matter.”

2. Set SMART Goals

(Storage Solution: Perfect For: People Who Need Structure, Organizers, or Anyone Who Enjoys Having a Clear Picture About Goals That Are Attainable)

One popular goal-setting method is the SMART method which helps you make sure your resolutions are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This strategy helps you focus and dismantles big, ambiguous goals into smaller, actionable tasks.

Why It’s Great:

It shows you exactly what to do to reach your goals

Makes it feel more possible and less daunting to reach your goals

You can keep track of your measurable milestones and time frames which greatly increases your chances of success

Action Tip:

A “SMART” goal stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound, so, instead of stating “I want to get fit,” you would say “I will exercise for 30 minutes, for 3 times a week for 3 months.”

3. Make Your Goals Visible

(What it’s good for: Visual learners, highly motivated people, or anyone who needs daily reminders)

There’s nothing like visibility on your resolutions to help you keep them active in your mind. Keep your goals front and center every day — whether that’s with a vision board, a printed out perma-goal list taped near your desk or reminders saved to your phone. 

Why It’s Important:

Helps you stay committed and accountable

Keeps your resolutions visible so that they don’t drift into the background

Serves as a useful reminder to stay on course

Action Tip:

You want to gather images, quotes, or reminders about your goals and create a vision board. Put this somewhere you will see every day, on top of your desk or on your bathroom mirror.

4. Divide Your Goals Into Smaller Steps

(Who It’s Perfect For: Overwhelm-ers, Procrastinators, Anyone Who Needs Bite-Sized Tasks)

Big goals can seem overwhelming, leading to procrastination and disappointment. Make your huge resolutions smaller and more digestible twists. That way, you will have a sense of accomplishment as you check off each mini-goal, which will keep you going for the year.

Why It’s Great:

Lessens the sense of being overwhelmed that often accompanies big goals

Makes progress more visible and tangible

Keeps you focused on small wins that lead to big success

Action Tip:

For instance, if you have a goal of “read 12 books this year” break it down too “read 1 book per month” or “ read 30 pages per week”

5. Stay Accountable

(Best For: Socially Motivated Individuals, Goal-Setters in Need of Extra Support, or Anyone Who Wants to Boost Their Odds of Success)

Accountability is one of the most potent tools for fulfilling resolutions. Tell friends, family or a mentor about your goals who can check in to assess your progress. Or get integrated into a community, group or social media platform where others have the same goals and share their progress.

Why It’s Important:

It is where Accountability partners come in.

The journey is easier with encouragement and support

Gives you better odds of reaching your goals as you’re accountable to other people

Action Tip:

Schedule check-ins with your accountability partner, or make use of social media to communicate your progress, whether that’s weekly or monthly.

6. Please focus on one or two resolutions

(Who It’s Perfect For: Easily Distracted People, Overambitious People, or People Who Don’t Want to Spread Themselves Too Thin)

While it’s tempting to create a lengthy list of resolutions, the more goals you pursue, the more difficult it is to remain focused and dedicated. Choose 1 or 2 resolutions that resonate with you the most and focus your energy on those instead.

Why It’s Effective:

Prevents you from feeling overwhelmed by too many goals

Helps you focus and direct your energy on fewer, serious goals

Let you get more sense of fulfillment whenever you are able to accomplish your main objectives

Action Tip:

Choose your 1 or 2 goals that most closely correlate with your long term vision and do them with all your heart.

7. Be flexible and adapt if you need to

(Well-Appointed For: Resilient Individuals, Pragmatic Goal-Setters, or Just Anyone Who Wants to Pivot to Meet the Moment)

Readjustments are required sometimes life happens! If you skip a workout or eat junk food for one day, don’t let it derail your whole year. Be flexible and know the road to success isn’t always straight. There’s no shame in adjusting.

Why It’s Important:

Keeps you from feeling like a failure when you have setbacks

To cultivate resilience and adaptability

So, in spite of it all, you maintain progress.

Action Tip:

Don’t abandon your resolution after one setback, instead learn from the experience and revise your plan for the next step.

8. Celebrate Your Wins

(Best For: People in Need of Motivation Boosts, Positive Reinforcers, or Anyone Wanting to Sustain Momentum)

Rewarding yourself for small wins helps to keep you motivated. From rewarding yourself with something special, to stopping and reflecting on how far you have come, leaping into your own success pushes you forward to the next hurdle.

Why It’s Great:

It rewards and encourages good habits and growth

Sustains you and uplifts your spirits

Keeps you reminded of your achievements

Action Tip:

No matter what, reward yourself for every milestone you cross, with things like a nice dinner, a good book or a day off!

9. Establish Healthy Routines and Habits

(The Ideal Candidate: Those Looking for Consistency, Habit Trackers, or Anyone Looking for Sustainable Success)

It’s that time of year when holiday relaxation gives way to New Year’s resolutions, usually about breaking old habits and forming new ones. Consistency is the key to success. Establishing healthy habits is essential, whether that’s a particular time each day to work toward your goal, or making your resolution a part of your regular day-to-day routine.

Why It’s Important:

Builds momentum that enable you to abide by your resolution

Over Time Makes Goals Automatic Behaviors

Long-Term Success And Sustainable Lifestyle Changes

Action Tip:

Use habit stacking: attach your resolution to an already existing habit. For example, if you want to drink more water, drink a cup of water each time you drink your morning coffee.

10. Keep Track of Your Progress

(Who It’s Perfect For: Trackers, Goal-Oriented or Otherwise, or People Who Need to Stay Focused)

Tracking your progress keeps you aware of how far you have come, which can be a huge motivator. Keep record of your daily actions, achievements, and failures using a journal, app, or habit tracker.

Why It’s Great:

Keeps you accountable and on the tightrope

You can see the progress you’re making, which helps you stay motivated

Provides a chance to celebrate victories and adjust when needed

Action Tip:

Try a goal-tracking app such as Strides or Habitica, or just have a physical journal you can use to check off daily or weekly goals.

With the right approach, New Year’s resolutions that stick are possible. This year can be different if you take the time to retrospect, make SMART goals, break down your resolutions into smaller steps, and hold yourself accountable. Remember, it’s all about balance and flexibility   if you hit a wall, be flexible, celebrate small wins and keep moving forward.

Now, with these 10 tips you’re ready to make the last changes in the new year. No matter if your resolutions involve getting fit, learning a new skill or improving your relationships, you can tackle it all. Good luck, and here’s to a prosperous and fulfilling new year!