Welcome to 2013! The new years celebrations are long over, and we’re all still getting used to writing “13” instead if “12” on papers and checks, but how are your new years resolutions coming? A lot of people struggle, get discouraged, and fail their new years resolutions. Here are some tips to keep you on track.

Set realistic goals! Things like “I will have a flat stomach” or “I will get published” are great motivators, but things like flat stomachs are up to genetics and not up to how fit you get or how much weight you lose. Same with goals that are dependent on other people or things that just aren’t entirely in your control.

Set aside time for your new resolution! Whether it’s working out, eating better, or writing more, these things take time. Set aside an hour every day to work out (include prep and cool down time), make dinner, write, or whatever. If you make the time for it, it’s harder to make excuses to skip it.

Don’t push yourself too hard! If you’re too tired/sick one day, that’s okay. Don’t be sad if you don’t quite reach your goal, you did well enough! But beware of going, “well I SHOULD do this but I just want to [blank].” In that case, suck it up and do your work. You can play video games and watch Netflix after you work out or write.

Confidence is key! If you tell yourself you can’t do it, you wont be able to. Remember to keep positive.

Include others! Tell the people around you to help you to remember to work on your resolution, or even get some of them to join with you on your journey. Things are better when you have someone to do them with.

Overall remember that if you try your best and you even get a quarter of the way to your goal, it’s better than none of the way!