5 Tricks to Make This Year THE Year to Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions

New Year's resolutions. They're a thing. A thing a lot of us actually do (with the best of intentions in place).

But this year, they don't have to be that thing that fails (studies show 80 percent of people give up by February).

Seriously.

This really can be the year you make a resolution -- and keep it.

We rounded up 5 tricks to make this year THE year to keep your New Year’s resolutions.
 

1) Aim for the moon (not the stars).

The surest way you're going to fail is by trying to do the impossible. So you have 50 pounds to lose. Planning to lose those 50 pounds in three months from Jan. 1 is pretty unrealistic. Instead, plan to lose 10 pounds in two months -- something attainable.






 

2) Scheme.

Wait, what? That's right. Scheming is your friend. Scheme by creating a tangible action plan. Action plans should include real, tangible steps that are measurable and recorded. None of this willy-nilly "I'm going to lose weight" nonsense. Write out your goals and give yourself deadlines to meet those goals.




 

3) Yam.

Yam it up to your friends, family, co-workers. Tell the world what you're doing and then share, and share often. The more people who know about it, the more likely they are to hold you accountable. And the more likely you are going to work towards not disappointing them.



 

4) Make the grade.

Scoresheets are not just for kids anymore. Make one, and then pin it up on your fridge or somewhere you'll see it -- and see it often. Grade yourself each week on your progress. (No cheats...be honest with yourself. It will feel that much better when you get that "A.")

5) Gifts are gold.

For each little victory, you deserve a reward. Celebrate your accomplishments. Just be sure you're doing it with something other than food. Go to a movie. Buy yourself that handbag you've wanted. Get a massage. You seriously deserve it.
 

What’s one trick you have for staying motivated? Share in the comments below!

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Author: Caitlin H
Diet-to-Go Community Manager

Caitlin is the Diet-to-Go community manager and an avid runner. She is passionate about engaging with others online and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. She believes moderation is key, and people will have the most weight loss success if they engage in common-sense healthy eating and fitness.