Setting New Year’s resolutions is easy to do, but turning resolutions into reality is the tricky part.

Step into 2022 on the right foot. Setting New Year’s resolutions is easy to do, but turning resolutions into reality is the tricky part. We all know how difficult it can be to stick to those goals we optimistically create for ourselves at the beginning of the year. Galit Ventura-Rozen, co-founder of Everyday Woman, has come up with several tips and tricks to help you stay motivated and carry out your resolutions throughout the year.

1. Choose a realistic New Year’s resolution, something that you can achieve in the next 12 months.

Focus on specific, measurable and attainable goals that will work for you. Don’t set yourself up for failure with resolutions that are not reasonable. This is not to say that stretch goals aren’t OK– they totally are! We just want to make sure you don’t get too frustrated too quickly by taking too many large steps to reach your goals. Additionally, don’t choose a resolution that is based on what a person (or society) wants you to change. In the long run, you’ll give yourself the best shot at success if you set realistic goals that mean a lot to you. Ask yourself: Do these goals actually matter to me? Am I setting these goals for the right reasons? Is there a realistic way for me to reach these goals? Stay true to yourself and keep in mind that you’re doing this for you. No one else.

2. Focus on accountability. Tell others about your resolutions.

If you tell others and say it out loud, you will be more likely to get excited about it and achieve it. If your resolution is a fitness goal, get a gym buddy or join a studio. If you want to read more, join a book club in your area or a virtual one. Also, take action as soon as you find yourself taking steps away from your resolutions. We know that it’s easy to fall out of routines and get back into old habits, but self-accountability is also an extremely important part of reaching your goals. Remind yourself that you’re doing this for you and that there is always a light at the end of every tunnel! Try, try, try. We promise you that it’ll be worth it.

3. Strategy is key!

Make a plan by breaking your resolution down into small steps to ensure your success. Again, be realistic in your plan. Try to find small ways that will help you be consistent in taking steps toward your goal. The resolution at large can sometimes be overwhelming. Slow and steady wins the race. Set yourself up for success by creating a roadmap to your goal and ask yourself: will this plan actually help me to reach my goals in the long run? Will I be able to stick to this plan? What are some small (or big) steps that I can take to help me move forward in this plan each day? You know yourself better than anyone else does. Be thoughtful and thorough.

4. Focus on small wins.

Focus on small wins, and add some positive incentives in your resolution planning so that you could reward yourself for your hard work once in a while. If your goal is to lose weight, put money in a jar every time you work out and then treat yourself to a new pair of yoga pants. It’ll help to get through each day working toward your resolution if you have some things to look forward to along the way. When you accomplish any milestone in reaching your goals, make sure you commend yourself, share with others, reward yourself, and most importantly, be proud of yourself.

5. Find an accountable partner or mentor.

You will always have a better chance of meeting your New Year’s resolution and making it your reality if you have someone by your side supporting and guiding you. Do you have a trusted friend or family member? Do you know anyone else who shares the same resolution? We definitely encourage you to include another person in your journey so that you’re able to lend each other a helping hand. You don’t have to do this alone. Alternatively, if you prefer to be a lone wolf, you could also download an app or get a journal to document your progress and keep yourself accountable. It takes more than just thinking about your goals. Visualization is a powerful motivator.

6. Remind yourself of the reasoning for your resolutions.

Again, for you to succeed, you must be doing it for yourself and you have a strong reason in doing so. Always remind yourself the reason that you chose these resolutions. Remember your specific goals and why you wanted to do this in the first place. If your goal is fitness, are you focusing on weight loss? If so, how much? Is your goal to get stronger? Lose inches? Why? The more specific you are about your goals, the easier it will be to make a plan to achieve them. The more you remind yourself, the more motivation you will have to reach them.

7. Decide how you will reward yourself.

Whether it be taking a trip to the beach in your new bikini to show off your results or taking yourself out to dinner to celebrate that promotion at work you’ve been working towards. Your reward should motivate you throughout the year to work hard in reaching your goals. It should give you something to look forward to for all of your efforts and discipline. So, make it big and treat yourself! All of your hard work will pay off because of this.

8. Visualize the end result in detail.

Visualize the end result in detail and let yourself feel what it would be like to accomplish your resolution. Your positive mindset is everything. In the end, you are in control of your resolutions. Whether your goals include mastering a new skill, saving money, traveling more, fitness or reading, make this the year you set yourself up for success.