The New Year is here and we all look fabulous with our six pack abs and fit into our “skinny” clothes. Sorry, I was dreaming. The Christmas pecan pie is still settling in on my spare tire, and I can’t button the new pair of jeans I bought before Thanksgiving. Does any of this sound familiar? For most, the cliché of setting resolutions is a high priority for the New Year. But, by Valentine’s Day only the few and proud survive. The good news is that the solution to keeping your New Year resolution goals is YOU! Below are five tips to keep your eye on the goal.

1) Set attainable goals. The key here is not to be vague. Be specific in what you can do in your own situation. We could all save a lot of heartache if we tailored our goals to fit us! I would love to have a golf swing like Tiger Woods, but I’m built totally different, have a hook in my ball flight that would make Captain Hook jealous, and have the swing speed of a senior citizen. There is no way I’m going to meet that goal. A more realistic goal would be to fix my hook by next year. Be specific and honest!

2) Set a time limit. If you want to lose 40 lbs., break it down to a daily basis that is measurable. Daily “small” victories toward your target are paramount in overcoming the usual downfalls throughout the year.

3) Write it down. Goals that are written down are the most effective. You could write them on sticky notes at the office, update them on your calendar, write them on the white board on the fridge, or tweet them. The point is to see them in writing. This will give you a new sense of motivation and focus.

4) Get others involved. Having an accountability partner will help you endure burnout.

5) Get started today!

This is not going to be easy. We all hate change, but nothing worth having is ever achieved without sacrifice. If you can’t keep your hands off the cookies and cream ice cream at midnight, then don’t stock the freezer with Blue Bell! The “daily” wins toward your goal will eventually turn into weeks and months! You will start to see a change that you thought was impossible at the beginning. That is why I recommend celebrating small victories throughout the year. Also, don’t just juggle with this resolution to make it next year as well. This is a lifestyle change that only YOU can decide to make. Don’t strive to meet anyone else’s goal, because that will never work! The choice to make a difference in your life is YOUR decision! Goal setting is an essential element to a successful lifestyle. Get started today!