Feeling overwhelmed by the New Year Resolutions, here are some ways to stick to them.

We all do it. We decide the New Year is the time to make much-needed changes to our lives. Whether it’s losing those extra pounds, looking for a new job or cleaning the junk drawer we have great intentions when it comes to starting the new year off right. But happens when three days in we haven’t even started on the right track?  

Well, the first thing is to cut yourself some slack. Changes take time. And the reason you made the resolution in the first place is to improve your life, not to be hard yourself. So here are some realistic tips from Gaiam to help you stick to your goals for the new year.

1.  BE REALISTIC
The surest way to fall short of your goal is to make your goal unattainable. For instance, resolving NEVER to eat your favorite food again is setting you up to fail. Instead, strive for a goal that is attainable, such as avoiding it more often than you do now.

2.  PLAN AHEAD
Don’t make your resolution on New Year’s Eve. If you wait until the last minute, it will be based on your mindset that particular day. Instead, it should be planned well before December 31st arrives.

3.  OUTLINE YOUR PLAN
Decide how you will deal with the temptation to skip that exercise class or have that piece of cake. This could include calling on a friend for help, practicing positive thinking and self-talk, or reminding yourself how your “bad” will affect your goal.

4.  WRITE  A “PROS” AND “CONS” LIST
Sometimes it may help to see a list of items on paper to keep your motivation strong. Develop this list over time and ask others to add to it. Keep your list with you and refer to it when you need help keeping your resolve.

5.  TALK ABOUT IT
Don’t keep your resolution a secret. Tell friends and family members who will be there to support your resolve to change yourself for the better or improve your health. The best-case scenario is to find a buddy who shares your New Year’s resolution and motivate each other.

6.  REWARD YOURSELF
This doesn’t mean that you can eat an entire box of chocolates if your resolution is to eat a better diet. Instead, celebrate your success by treating yourself to something you enjoy that doesn’t contradict your resolution. If you have been sticking to your promise to eat better, for example, reward yourself with new fitness clothing or by going to a movie with a friend.

7.  TRACK YOUR PROGRESS
Keep track of each small success. Short-term goals are easier to keep, and each small accomplishment will help keep you motivated. Instead of focusing on losing 30 pounds, focus on losing the first five. Keep a food journal to help you stay on track and reward yourself for every five pounds lost.

8.  DON’T BEAT YOURSELF UP
Obsessing over the occasional slip won’t help you achieve your goal. Do the best you can each day and take one day at a time.

9.  STICK TO IT
Experts say it takes about 21 days for a new activity to become a habit and six months for it to become part of your personality. It’s not going to happen overnight, so be persistent and patient!

10. KEEP TRYING
If you have run out of steam when it comes to keeping your resolution by mid-February, don’t despair. Start over again! Recommit yourself for 24 hours. You can do anything for 24 hours. The 24-hour increments will soon build on each other and, before you know it, you will be back on track.