It’s official! 2019 has come to an end, and a new decade has begun. With the conclusion of the month of January, many people are struggling to keep their New Year’s resolutions. Here are some tips if you’re having a tough time sticking to your resolutions!

Be specific when writing goals

When it comes to accomplishing your New Year’s resolutions, writing specific and realistic goals is key. If one of your goals is to dedicate more time to homework and studying, write down the amount of time you want to dedicate to homework and studying. For example, if you already study for 30 minutes (or around 30 minutes), make a note that you would like to study for 45-50 minutes everyday. Being realistic and specific will help you avoid writing down a goal that’s up to interpretation and instead create a precise goal that’s more achievable. 

Pace yourself

As you work on your resolutions or lifestyle changes, keep in mind that nothing happens overnight. Find a steady pace that doesn’t stress or exhaust you, and achieve your goal at a healthy rhythm. Although achieving your goal may take longer than you’d like, just remember: take one step forward at a time, not two steps that will eventually push you backward.

Focus on one to two resolutions at a time

Another key way to stick to your New Year’s resolutions is to focus on one resolution at a time. You will be able to work harder to achieve your goal if you’re not stressed about dividing your attention between all of your resolutions at once. When you feel comfortable with the progress you’ve made on one of your goals, you can consider starting to focus on another goal. 

Keep track of your progress

As you work toward your goals, it is helpful to you keep track of the progress you’ve made. A couple ways to track your progress include writing notes in a journal or on your phone. By reflecting on the process it is easier to to overcome any challenges that may interfere with you accomplishing your goal.

Don’t be so hard on yourself

The most important thing to remember about New Year’s resolutions is to be understanding with yourself. Being overly critical of yourself will not only make it harder to accomplish what you want to, but will also bring you down! A negative attitude impacts all aspects of your life. Rather than think, “I can’t do this,” try and change your mindset to say things like, “This may seem challenging, but it can be accomplished.” With a positive attitude and some self-encouragement, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to, this new year and beyond.