How Are Those New Year's Resolutions Going?

We all have good intentions on New Years, but our everyday lives often intervene. How are you doing with your resolutions? Staying strong, or have you already cast them aside? If you fall under the second category, we have a few tips to share on staying strong.

Firstly, you know you don't have to wait until the new year to change your habits. Dissatisfied with something? Want to change it? Just do it. Why to wait for a specific time? The right time is now, just get started!

How do you best get started? Just note that spontaneous resolutions, decided on a whim, are not the best. You'll often fail to keep them, for several reasons.

Spontaneous resolutions are often simply too difficult or too much at once. You lack a clear, concrete plan and soon you'll have more than enough reasons to give up. By contrast, making a clear plan can help you keep your resolutions.

There is nothing like a good plan. Keep a record of what you want to achieve. What, how, when? The more specific the better.
This goal can then be made public. Telling your decision to a friend increases the pressure, which increases the chances of success.
Really big goals need to be broken down. Step by step, work on your plan.
Break up a large goal into smaller goals and consistently work through them.
Be prepared for setbacks, as they are unavoidable. Think of possible scenarios where you might fail and role play what you would do if those situations arose. IMPORTANT: relax and stay calm. If the time comes and you make a mistake, accept it and keep going. If you fall, just stand up again. Dust yourself off and try again.
Confidence wins! No matter what goals you have, studies have shown that people who are confident they will succeed are more likely to reach their goals.
Visualize your goals each day, preferably immediately after getting up in the morning. In as much detail as possible, imagine that you have already achieved your goal. How will it look, how will you feel, etc.
Allies help you arrive at your destination faster. Therefore, search out friends who have the same or similar goals. They'll increase your motivation as well as your likelihood for success.
Also, do not forget to reward yourself for achieving milestones. This will help you make it through a longer process.