As a new year begins, many of us take the time to set New Year’s resolutions. It may be getting healthier, learning a new skill, or spending more time with loved ones, but no matter what it is, resolutions reflect our hopes for the year ahead. However, keeping these resolutions as the new year begins can be a bit more challenging. If you’ve struggled with sticking to your goals in the past, don’t worry; you’re not alone! Here are some practical strategies to help you stay on track and make meaningful progress this coming year.

A New Year’s resolution is a yearly tradition in which a person resolves to continue good practices, change an undesired trait or behavior, accomplish a personal goal, or otherwise improve their behavior at the beginning of a calendar year. 

The start of a new year is the perfect time to turn a new page, which might be why so many people make New Year’s resolutions. The new year often feels like a fresh start and a great opportunity to change bad habits and establish new routines that will help people grow psychologically, emotionally, socially, physically, or intellectually. However, resolutions are much easier to make than keep, and within a couple of months many are abandoned. In one study, only around 12 percent of people who make New Year’s resolutions felt they were successful in achieving their goals. However, another study found 46 percent deemed their resolutions as successful.