How to Keep Your New Year's Resolutions

Like many things in life, New Year's resolutions are easy to make—and easy to break. Follow these strategies to make your goals last. 1. Keep it real. If you've been a couch potato for years, it's unlikely you'll morph into a bodybuilder after the ball drops. Instead, set your sights on hitting the gym a few times a week or logging 10,000 steps a day on your pedometer. 2. Break it down. When resolutions seem overwhelming, they’re harder to keep. So, instead of vowing to shed 30 pounds, break it down into more manageable mini-goals of five pounds a month. 3. Talk about it. When friends, family, and coworkers are aware that you've resolved to eat more healthfully, they'll be less likely to stop by with a Big Mac and large fries. 4. Reward yourself. If you've managed to swear off smoking for a month, you're not out of the woods yet—but there's certainly cause to celebrate. Acknowledge your success with healthy rewards, like a day at the spa. 5. Create reminders. When you wake up feeling tired on New Year's Day, you'll know exactly why you need to get more sleep. Come February, though, you might not remember. To remind yourself, create a journal describing how much better you feel when you get enough z's. 6. Visualize it. If you're determined to shape up, remember that it's not only a matter of sweating and crunching the numbers. It's important to picture yourself as a fitter, sleeker, stronger person. Mental imagery can be a powerful motivator, reminding you that your goals are well within reach. Courtesy of Quality Health