It's like clockwork. The New Year rolls around, and we all have exciting ideas about how the year will go. We join the gym. We clear out the junk food. We toss out our cigarettes. This year is going to be different. Fast forward to February ...and nothing has changed. As good as our intentions are, too often, our New Year's resolutions fail. It doesn't have to be this way, though. If you follow the nine tips below, you will give yourself a chance to beat the odds and stick to your resolutions.

1. Stay True To Your Core Values

While the New Year is a great time for a change, you don't want to make resolutions that change you at a core level. It's hard to stick to resolutions if they don't honor the things you hold most dear. Take some time to reflect on what means the most to you in life, and then set resolutions that match that.

2. Get Specific

Wanting to "get healthier" is a fine idea, but it is not a resolution or a goal. It isn't specific enough. It isn't measurable either. A better way to set a resolution is to get specific. You would be better off setting a specific exercise target (I will get 12000 steps a day) or a specific weight goal (I will lose X pounds in Y months).

3. Focus

Focus matters. Don't get caught in the trap of trying to make as many resolutions as possible. You will have a far greater chance of success if you stick to one (maybe two) resolutions that you can devote all your energy towards achieving.

4. Make a Plan

A resolution is great, but a plan is even better. Once you have decided what your resolution will be, you should create a plan to achieve it. Start with a brief outline, then fill in the details whenever you get a chance. This act alone will increase your chance of success.

5. Tell Your Friends About It

We usually find it easier to let ourselves down than we do letting our loved ones down. Use this to your advantage. When you tell your friends your resolutions, you are more likely to follow through. Also, your friends can be your support system if things aren't going well.

6. Every Slip is Not A Fall

A stable or slip along the way is not a good reason to give up. If you spend the first three weeks of the New Year crushing it, don't beat yourself up if you fall off the wagon and have a bad day. Get back up, brush yourself off and start again.

7. Think About a Reward

Humans are motivated by many things, but the idea of a reward is one of the best. Whenever you set a new resolution, think of a reward you could give yourself when you reach it. Hopefully, this will be enough to keep you on track.

8. What Could Go Wrong?

Even the best of plans can go wrong. When you are planning out how to achieve your resolution, take some time to think about potential obstacles along the way. This will help you to prepare, so you can face these hurdles when the time comes.

9. Don't Make Resolutions

Since so many New Year's resolutions fail - maybe we should stop making them? I don't mean you give up hope about self-improvement, but maybe you take a different approach. This could be the year that you decide to take it one day at a time. Maybe you decide to reflect on the past year instead. Whatever the case, self-improvement doesn't need to start in the New Year. Be kind to yourself.

     Fast Action Steps:

1. Figure out what is most important to you this year. What matters to you the most? What needs to change the most?
2. Choose one resolution based on what's most important to you. Just stick to one for now.
3. Create an action plan to achieve that resolution. Include a small, simple step that you can take right away.

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