On January 1st, many of us are going to resolve to better our health and lives.  New years resolutions are a great way to get healthy, but often by the time February is here we are no longer working towards those goals.  Here are a few tips on how to make a New Years resolution that will stick and set yourself up for success.

1. Do it for yourself.  Don’t make a resolution that is intended to impress or please someone else.  It’s important to choose something that is going to make you happy, otherwise you will be more likely to fail.
2. Know what works.  Have you set goals in previous years that you failed to follow through with?  Think about what those goals were and find out why they didn’t work.  Then you can make sure you are creating habits you can stick with this year.
3. Keep it specific.  Don’t set goals that are overly broad.  It is better to focus on more challenging and specific goals.  For instance saying you want to “eat better” is overly broad, but saying you want to “eat less fast food” is much easier to follow in the long run.
4. Consider mini goals.  Sometimes it is easier for you to set smaller, more easily attainable goals than one larger, harder goal.  You will feel motivated when each smaller goal is completed and you are more willing to reach more.
5. Get help from friends.  Having someone who can keep you accountable and provide support when needed is a huge help.  If you don’t have anyone in your life who can help, consider the MyFitnessPal app, which can be set to remind you everyday to input your calories and workout.
6. Change your routine.  For you to make long term lifestyle changes you will need to change up your normal routine.  Especially if those goals are fitness and food related.  Eating healthier food means spending more time preparing so make sure you are giving yourself enough time to make those changes.
7. Rewarding yourself.  Acknowledge yourself when you have completed steps in the process and then consider one big reward when your final goal is finished.  Small rewards along the way can help keep you motivated and going strong.