The new year feels like a new beginning which is why so many people often set lofty new year’s resolutions during these times. While this practice can sometimes lead people to bite off more than they can chew, going after resolutions can also present great opportunities to overcome struggles with willpower, determination, and ingenuity.

So, what can you do to make it more likely that you will achieve your new year’s resolutions?
The following tips could help you beat the odds.

Tip #1 – Dream & Vision Board Maker

Mobile apps are an excellent way set your new year’s resolutions and will daily remind you on the progress. Click here to download Visualize: Dream & Vision Board Maker app.

Tip #2 – Choose a specific goal

Every year, millions of adults resolve to “lose weight,” “be more productive,” or “get in shape” during the next year.1 Instead of selecting such an ambiguous goal, focus on something more concrete that you can realistically set your sights on. In other words, choose a very specific, achievable goal.

For example, you might commit to losing 10 pounds, making daily to-do lists, or running a mini-marathon. Be sure to make your goal realistic rather than drastic. Choosing a concrete, achievable goal also gives you the opportunity to plan exactly how you are going to accomplish (and stick to) your goal over the course of the year.

Tip #3 – Focus on One Goal at a Time

Achieving even one small goal can boost your belief in yourself. For larger goals, consider breaking them apart into manageable chunks to work on one at a time. The American Psychological Association (APA) also suggests focusing on just one behavior at a time is more likely to lead to long-term success.

Tip #4 – Make a Detailed Plan

Creating a detailed written plan can help you stick to your goal. Why is this stage so critical for success? For one thing, it allows you to consider what tactics you will use when you’re faced with challenges. When things get difficult, what strategies will you use to stay on the path toward making your resolution a reality?

Tip #5 – Start with small steps

While it may seem like a slow start, small incremental changes make it easier to stick to your new healthy habits and increase the likelihood of long-term success

Tip #6 – Avoid Repeating Past Failures

Another strategy for keeping your New Year’s resolution is to not make the exact same resolution year after year.
“If people think they can do it, they probably can, but if they’ve already tried and failed, their self-belief will be low,”

Consider altering your resolution slightly to make it more feasible. By changing your approach, you will be more likely to see real results this year.

Tip #7 – Renew your Motivation

After dealing with the reality of dragging yourself to the gym at 6 a.m. or gritting your teeth through headaches brought on by nicotine withdrawal, your motivation to keep your New Year’s resolution may start to dwindle.

When you face such moments, remind yourself exactly why you are doing this. Think about (or write a list to keep handy) what do you have to gain by achieving your goal. Finding sources of inspiration can keep you going when times get tough.

Tip #8 – Remember That Change Is a Process

Those unhealthy or undesired habits that you are trying to change probably took years to develop, so how can you expect to change them in just a matter of days, weeks, or months? Be patient with yourself. Understand that working toward your resolution is a process. Even if you make a misstep or two, you can restart and continue on your journey towards your goal.

Tip #9 – Get support

Explain what your goals are to your close friends or family and ask them to help you achieve your objectives. Better yet, enlist the help of others by joining a group that shares your goal. You’ve probably heard this advice a million times, but that is because the buddy system actually works. Find a like-minded friend or loved one to join you in your goal.

Tip #10 Learn and adapt

Encountering a setback is one of the most common reasons why people give up on their New Year’s resolutions.
If you suddenly relapse into a bad habit, don’t view it as a failure. The path toward your goal is not always a straight one, and there will often be challenges along the way. Instead, view relapses as learning opportunities.