Okay, so maybe that promise you made to completely swear off junk food this year was a little too ambitious. And who can blame you, especially when you spent the whole holiday with your great aunt’s famous ginger molasses holiday cookies sitting less than three feet away from you. We get it—anybody would slip up for those.
But if you’re feeling frustrated about how quickly your resolve seems to crumble with every new year, we’ve got some tips and tricks for you on how to write great resolutions—and keep them.
Set SMART Goals
The best goals are the realistic ones. So maybe instead of swearing off all junk food for an entire year, why not take baby steps? Maybe you can cut your fast food intake down to just once a week. Or you can crack open that kale cookbook you got for Christmas last year and start incorporating more veggies into your diet (and kale really isn’t that bad, we swear).
When you’re setting your resolution for the year, make sure your goal is a SMART one: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely. Goals that are too broad are harder to stick to, and goals without a specific end in sight feel almost impossible to reach. By giving yourself something with a set end date, with realistic boundaries, and measurable action steps, you’ll be far more likely to keep that resolution in place.
And If You’ve Already Slipped?
Well, nobody’s perfect. And beating yourself up for not sticking to a resolution will only make things harder for your mental health. Instead, focus on getting back on track—and maybe revise your goals so they’re a little SMARTer.
To help get re-engaged on your resolutions, consider setting a daily reminder on your phone or another device. By seeing it every day, you’ll be more likely to stick to it. Consider also giving yourself some kind of reward for every milestone you reach in your goal—everything’s better with a prize at the end.
But no matter what, remember that these resolutions are meant to help you, not become something you dread. If you focus on making healthy choices, and make that a habit every day, then you’re already one step closer to a better, healthier life.
EN 
ES 
DE 
FR 
ZH 
JA