Everyone loves getting into the holiday fad of making their goals for the upcoming year, whether it is to actually better themselves or just convince people that they are bettering themselves. Most people like to make resolutions that seem to be unattainable, such as trying to make themselves something that they can never be by changing their entire personality.  Goals like this, however, seem to fade after the first five days of January because a couch  potato at heart can’t magically turn into a work-out-aholic after such a short amount of time.

That’s why one of the tips to keep your New Year’s resolutions is to make more realistic goals that are attainable and able to be kept up for the entire year. As the American Psychological Association states: “It is important to remember that the New Year isn’t meant to serve as a catalyst for sweeping character changes. It is a time for people to reflect on their past year’s behavior and promise to make positive lifestyle changes.” Healthy lifestyles and more positive attitudes will get you on the right track, but here are some other helpful tips on how to keep your resolutions.

Don’t beat yourself up if you decide to skip a day at the gym and stay home to relax or stay up a little later to watch your favorite show instead of getting more sleep. Becoming frustrated with yourself will most likely lead to a snowball effect and end up with you giving up on everything, instead of just taking a break. No one can be perfect and stick to their resolutions all year long, so instead of giving up completely after a month or two, just take a small break so you can get on track again and end the year happy with your accomplishments.

One of the most popular and important tips when it comes to keeping up with your resolutions is asking for help and finding support throughout the year. As well as having supportive friends, another helpful source can be a local psychologist to help find alternative ways to change your lifestyle throughout the year in a positive manner. “They can offer strategies as to how to adjust your goals so that they are attainable, as well as help you change unhealthy behaviors and address emotional issues,” according to the American Psychology Association. Whether it be family, friends, or a psychologist, any type of support will lead towards more motivation and hopefully better success for the New Year.

Instead of sticking to the regular trend of giving up after January 1st, try out some of these tips to make your resolutions last throughout the year.