How to Make a New Year’s Resolution You Can (Finally) Keep

For example, if you want to lose weight and start saving more money, only focus on one of these challenges for now. Then, set a specific, realistic target like:

• “I’m going to walk 10 minutes a day twice a week.”
• “I’m going to save $500 by transferring $20 a week from my paycheck into a savings account.”
• “I’m going to lose 20 pounds in six months.”

These resolutions set reasonable, measurable goals—which makes them more achievable as opposed to plotting an unrealistic course to an unattainable end.

Once you’ve succeeded with one goal, then commit to reaching the next one.

Pace Yourself—Change Doesn’t Happen Overnight

The current, fast-paced technological world thrives on instant gratification. You send text messages and receive replies in seconds. You download and instantly listen to a new album instead of going to the store, grabbing a CD off the shelf, walking it to the car, and loading it up.

Unfortunately, constantly feeding this craving for on-demand results can sabotage an effort to stick with a New Year’s resolution. Most goals take time to achieve.

For instance, some diets claim you can shed 20 pounds in a month. This isn’t realistic.According to Livestrong, “Depending on your weight, gender, and activity level, a 20-pound weight loss could take between 10-20 weeks, or even longer.”