Another year is underway and setting annual resolutions for most of us is a way we celebrate the beginning of another year. Most common in the Western Hemisphere, we make our resolutions with full intention of improving happiness, health and better use of free time. Many of us have already mustered up the willpower for a brand-new set of New Year’s resolutions. However, for many, those resolutions will be set aside before achieving them, right? In fact, a sizable percentage of resolutions are broken in weeks, days and sometimes- even hours. If you choose to set New Year resolutions again this year, we offer four ideas for making and keeping them and to assure that 2018 will be your best year yet.

1. Make your resolutions simple. Too often, people and themselves aiming for an overhaul of their entire lifestyle which is simply a recipe for failure, disappointment and guilt. Instead of working on all your goals at once, try setting just one to start of the year. When one is achieved, go to the next one and so on. Don’t overdo it. Give yourself a chance to breathe and enjoy the changes you’re making.

2. Choose well. You may want to concentrate on resolutions that will have the greatest impact on your happiness, health and sense of ful llment. For example, regular exercise, a good diet and proper sleep will improve your health, increase your self-respect and increase your overall feeling of well-being and happiness.

3. Be realistic. Consider previous experiences with resolutions and what led to those disappointments. Were your goals to lose too much weight and cut spending unrealistic? Give yourself more than a year to settle your battle with nagging issues and set realistic, short-term goals for this year. Remember, replacing a habit for 31 days creates a new habit!

4. Create bite-sized portions. Begin by setting and achieving smaller goals and break down each goal into manageable chunks. Celebrate each achievement by putting a star on the frig or getting a car wash… This will give you momentum for continuing to achieve greater success with bigger goals. Then decide exactly how you will make this happen. Remember, “Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance.”