The beginning of a new year is an exciting time for everyone. It is a time to restart, refresh, and renew. It is common to make a New Year’s resolution. Many times, people can get caught up in the excitement about starting a new year and make resolutions without much planning. So, with just a little bit of planning and help from the following tips, you can stick to your New Year’s resolution.

• Set a goal. Instead of focusing on your New Year’s resolutions, move your thoughts to goal setting. Goal setting will allow you to work toward your resolutions throughout your year. Just be sure to set SMART goals. Remember when setting goals to keep them specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
• Find an accountability partner. Look for someone to take your journey with you. They may even have a goal of their own to work on. Share your goal so that you can help each other stay on track. Your accountability partner can be a friend, family member, or even a coworker.
• Take small steps. It is okay to start small. Sometimes people want big changes to happen quickly, but that is not always realistic, depending on the goals that you set. It is important to review your goals and be sure to take into account the time it will take to reach those goals. Small steps are crucial in achieving and maintaining goals. Remember each day to take one step toward your goal.
• Reward yourself. Motivation is a key component on your journey to accomplishing your goal. What can be more motivating than rewarding yourself? It is always great to look back over what you have accomplished, no matter how big or small. All successes need to be celebrated.