How to Make Realistic New Year’s Resolutions (and Keep Them)

New Year, New You

A new year gives us all the opportunity to make changes in our lives. However, so often January 1 comes, and we are no better off than we were last year (with little to no resolve to make things better).

Every year I make New Year’s resolutions, and I am dedicated to making them come true in the 12 months allotted. Sometimes I make it; sometimes I don’t. However, I believe that it’s always worth trying.

You can make New Year’s resolutions that not only stick, but are attainable. Here are seven ways to turn this year into your best year yet.

Jennifer E. Jones is the Inspiration Editor and resident rock star at making and keeping New Year's resolutions.

Don't Try to Do It All in January

Poor, poor January. We pin all our hopes on those first 31 days. We cram a laundry list of goals into one month and try to make them all happen at breakneck speed. Inevitably, by February we are burnt out, and by the summer, our resolutions are long forgotten.

Let’s give January a break, shall we? If your goals are worth attaining, they will take time – much more than a mere month can offer. Plus the effort and energy it will take to accomplish those resolutions is too much to do all at once. Space them out. I’m often making resolutions that I can’t begin to work on until April or early June. So, give your New Year’s resolutions some breathing room. The month of January thanks you in advance.

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