Take a long inhale and breathe in the sweet, sweet smell of a million and one New Year’s Resolutions in the air. Because while there’s never a wrong time to tackle our goals, there’s just something about the new year that hits different. 

But let’s be so real: sticking to resolutions can be difficult, especially when we put them on super high pedestals. Whether it’s losing weight, saving money, or learning a new skill, the pressure to reach all our goals can sometimes be overwhelming. But don’t worry – with some planning (and a lot of determination), you can achieve your resolution and start the new year off on the right foot.

So, here are some tips to help you reach those resolutions, and hopefully not break them by the end of the month. We have faith in you.

be specific

When setting your resolution, make sure it’s specific and measurable. Simply saying ‘I want to be healthier’ is vague and doesn’t give you a clear target to work towards. Instead, try something like “I want to lose 20 pounds by June.”

This specific goal gives you a clear outcome to work towards and a deadline to hold yourself accountable to. But if you want to add a little spice to your resolution, try something like “I want to be able to see my toes again” or “I want to be able to fit in my freshman-year jeans.”

make a plan

Once you have your specific goal(s) outlined, make a plan of action. Break your goal down into smaller, manageable steps. For example, if your goal is to lose 20 pounds, you could plan to exercise for 30 minutes a day and cut out sugary drinks from your diet.

Having a plan makes your goal feel more attainable and gives you something to work towards daily. But if you’re feeling lazy, you could just plan to drink more water and hope for the best – that may work too.

track your progress

Use a journal, calendar, or app to track your progress and make note of any challenges or obstacles you encounter. This will help you identify patterns and make adjustments to your plan as needed.

This is also a great way to see how far you’ve come which can be a great motivator to keep going. You’ll be glad you did it.

stay accountable

Reaching your resolutions are a lot easier when you’re forced to take accountability for them. Share your goals with friends or family and ask them to hold you accountable.

You can also join a support group or find an accountability buddy who is working towards a similar goal. Just be mindful of only sharing your goals with those you trust and that have your best interest at heart.

celebrate small wins

Finally, don’t forget to celebrate your small wins along the way. Reaching a goal can take time and effort, so it’s important to acknowledge and celebrate your progress. This will help keep you motivated and excited about your goal.

So, treat yo’self. You deserve it. Good luck and Happy New Year, bestie!