Did you know that, according to the New York Times, more than half of New Year’s resolutions fail? Why is this? One of the biggest reasons most resolutions don’t work out is that a person doesn’t set their goals correctly. Either they aren’t clear enough or the person setting the resolution doesn’t have an interest in finishing it. However, it’s important to know that it is possible to uphold a resolution, and these tips and tactics will hopefully make reaching one’s New Year’s goals easier (nytimes.com).

   First of all, be realistic! Resolutions may fail because they can cause one to have too much on their plate. When it comes to a New Year’s resolution, the goal shouldn’t be something that makes your life extremely overpacked or overly stressful. Keep goals that seem like something you can actually work towards. An achievable goal can also help you feel more confident. So, if you are overwhelmed because you made too many resolutions, maybe it’s time to cut down from five to three

   Before you give up on your resolution, make sure to have a plan so that you succeed. The website Life Hack suggests that planning ahead will make the people who are setting the goal believe in themselves much more, and have a better idea of how they’ll achieve their goal. A New Year’s resolution in itself can give one a sense of security for what their year might look like, and planning can get you to your goal faster (lifehack.org).

   A tip that can help lead to a successful resolution is a pros and cons list. UC Senior Rebeca Munhoz explained that she has always been able to obtain her resolutions and gives credit to these lists for it. “Being able to know the pros that my resolution might bring me helps me stay focused. Knowing the cons helps me know what I might struggle with. This can be helpful, because I am aware of what I might need extra help with,” explained Munhoz. She mentioned that this is not only an excellent way to be successful but to make achievable resolutions for the following year.

   Finally, it is important not to take these things too seriously. Many forget that a resolution can be anything, and it’s important to understand that nothing about a resolution is easy, and a lot of mental and physical strength goes into sticking to it. A resolution is either breaking an old habit or building a new one, so it may be out of your comfort zone. Don’t be too hard on yourself, and once your resolution is obtained, pat yourself on the back. You did it.