3 Ways to Keep Your Resolutions in 2017

We're nearly two weeks into the New Year, which means you've probably already laid out your goals or resolutions for 2017. According to the statistics, you may have even given up on one already. We've all been there: You're jazzed in early January only to find yourself unmotivated within a couple of weeks. While about 41% of us will make New Year's resolutions this year, only about 9% of us will succeed in achieving them. Unsurprisingly, the chance of succeeding only decreases as we get older, become more set in our ways and have more of life's curveballs thrown our way. 

So, how can you beat the odds and make 2017 the year you stick to your resolutions? There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but we've found a few tried and true ways to stay on track for the long haul that we'd love to share with you: 

1. Start with gratitude: It's easy to get so caught up in the qualities or circumstances we want to change that we forget to appreciate what we already have. Before pursuing your goals for the upcoming year, try to spend time reflecting on the year past. Write down a few things you were especially grateful for in 2016. This can serve as a reminder of what to focus your energy on in the New Year and make you feel more positive overall. If you want to take it one step further, practice gratitude daily by verbalizing or writing down one thing you're thankful for right when you wake up in the morning.
2. Form habits instead: Too often we make vague or abstract resolutions, such as "lose 5 lbs" or "spend more time with family." These are more difficult to hold ourselves accountable for and ultimately harder to stick to. Instead, think about the daily or weekly habits that will help you achieve your goals long-term, and implement them. For example, instead of resolving to "lose 5 lbs", pick 2 days a week to walk to work. Rather than vowing to "spend more time with family," take a look at your calendar right now and pencil in a weekend each month to visit your parents. Every time you practice one of these habits, give yourself a pat on the back!
3. Use the buddy system: It's much easier to stay on track when you have support. Find a friend, family member, or coworker that's as determined as you are to make changes in the New Year and make a pact to encourage each other and hold one another accountable. Check in with each other on a regular basis, celebrate each other's successes, and support one another through failures or unmotivated periods.

And remember: It's a marathon, not a sprint! Be patient; celebrate small successes and move on quickly from failures. Here's to your best year yet– you've got this!