How to Make New Year's Resolutions that Will Stick

Every year, millions of people make New Year's resolutions with the hope of bettering themselves in some way. But despite all of their good intentions, the majority of people usually fail to stick to their resolutions for more than a few weeks. If you're serious about making a change this year, though, there are some things you can do to increase your chances of success.

Pick the Right Resolution
The first step to making a resolution that will stick is to pick the right one. A lot of people choose resolutions that are either too vague ("I'm going to eat healthier") or too ambitious ("I'm going to lose 50 pounds"). Instead, try to focus on something specific that you can realistically achieve. For example, "I'm going to cook dinner at home four nights a week" or "I'm going to go to the gym three times a week."

Make a Plan
Once you've chosen your resolution, it's time to make a plan. What exactly are you going to do to achieve your goal? Be as specific as possible. For instance, if your resolution is to get in shape, your plan might involve joining a gym and working out for 45 minutes three times a week. Or if you want to quit smoking, your plan could involve buying nicotine gum and using it whenever you have the urge to smoke. By having a specific plan in place, you'll be much more likely to stick to your resolution.

Find an Accountability Partner
One of the best ways to make sure you stick to your resolution is by finding an accountability partner—someone who will help keep you on track and motivated. This could be a friend, family member, or even a co-worker. Just make sure it's someone who shares your commitment to achieving your goal and who won't let you off the hook easily if you start slacking off. 

Making a New Year's resolution is easy enough—it's actually keeping that resolution that's the difficult part. If you're determined to make a change this year but want to make it last, use these tips to increase your chances of success. Pick the right resolution, make a specific plan, and find an accountability partner who will help keep you on track. With some focus and determination, achieving your goals this year is within reach.