How to Keep Up with Your New Year Resolutions (Without Losing Your Mind)

We’ve all been there: January 1st rolls around, and we’re filled with motivation, ready to conquer the world. By January 10th, we’ve forgotten where we left our gym shoes. By February, the only thing we’re "resolving" is to never make resolutions again. Sound familiar? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Keeping up with your New Year resolutions doesn’t have to be a Herculean task, and it certainly doesn’t have to be all about misery, sweat, and self-doubt. Let’s turn those goals into achievable victories—and maybe even have a little fun along the way!

1. Make Your Resolutions…Actually Realistic!

Let’s face it: if your resolution is to “run a marathon every week” and you’re currently Netflix’s number one fan, we’ve got a problem. Resolutions are supposed to stretch you—but not to the point where you need a stretcher.

Pro Tip: Break your big goal into smaller, more achievable chunks. Instead of committing to 20 hours of gym time a week (unless you’re a professional athlete), aim for 20 minutes a day. Baby steps, my friend.

Bonus Tip: Pick a resolution that’s aligned with your current lifestyle. Want to read more? Start with a 10-minute daily habit instead of trying to tackle War and Peace in one sitting.

2. Write It Down (Like, Everywhere)

There’s a reason people say "out of sight, out of mind." If your resolution is sitting on your to-do list, buried beneath a mountain of other tasks, good luck remembering it by February. Write it down, plaster it everywhere, and make sure you see it as often as you see your reflection (which, let’s be real, could be a lot).

Pro Tip: Stick your resolution to your bathroom mirror, your fridge, your computer screen, or even your pet’s collar. The more you see it, the less you’ll forget it. (Sorry, Fido, but you’re now part of my self-improvement plan).

3. Track Your Progress (And Celebrate Tiny Wins)

Tracking progress is the new “treat yourself.” Whether you’re crossing off items on a checklist or checking in with an app, seeing progress in real time is a great way to keep your motivation high. And when you hit a milestone—no matter how small—celebrate! We’re talking about dancing in your living room, not running out and buying a new car. You know, the little things.

Pro Tip: Use a habit tracker app like “Habitica” to gamify your resolutions. It’s like playing a video game, but with less monster-slaying and more vegetable-eating.

4. Make Your Resolutions Social (AKA Rope in Your Friends)

If you’re doing your resolution alone, that’s cool, but it’s so much more fun when you’ve got a partner (or five) in crime. Tell your friends about your goals, and make them hold you accountable. They’ll probably remind you about your resolution before you even remember it yourself. Plus, the peer pressure can work wonders.

Pro Tip: Create a fun group chat with friends who have similar resolutions. Share embarrassing selfies from the gym, send motivational quotes, and cheer each other on. Just be prepared for the occasional “I totally didn’t go to the gym today” confession.

5. Adjust Your Goals As You Go (It’s Not a Failing, It’s a Pivot)

Life happens. You might start strong, then a flu bug or Netflix documentary derails your plans. Don’t throw in the towel (or your gym shoes). Adjust your goals. It’s not cheating to tweak your resolutions if life’s gotten in the way. In fact, it’s smart. Flexibility is key. Plus, you’re learning to be kind to yourself, which is a big win in and of itself.

Pro Tip: If you’ve missed a few days of exercising, don’t give up. Just reframe the goal. Instead of aiming for a "perfect 30-day workout streak," focus on making movement a regular part of your routine. Flexibility > rigidity.

6. Be Gentle with Yourself (You're Not a Robot)

Let’s be honest: we all slip up. You ate that entire pizza instead of cooking healthy meals, or you "accidentally" spent three hours watching TikTok instead of writing your novel. But guess what? You're human, not a robot (unless, of course, you’re secretly a cyborg, in which case, please teach me your ways).

Pro Tip: When you fall off track, don’t give up completely. Just get back on the horse. Think of it like your favorite video game—you can always "respawn" and try again.

7. Add a Dash of Humor (Because Why Not?)

If you’re serious all the time about your resolutions, you’ll probably burn out faster than you can say “I’ll start next week.” Try to infuse a little humor into your goal-setting process. Make it lighthearted! Laugh at your mistakes. If you fail, throw a mini pity party, then get up and try again. The world won’t end if you miss a workout or eat too many cupcakes. I promise.

Pro Tip: Every time you fail (which you will, and that’s totally fine), reward yourself with a joke or a silly meme. Laughter is a great motivator for getting back on track.

8. Focus on the Process, Not Just the Outcome

Sure, you want to lose weight, write a book, or learn to speak French—but if you’re only focused on the final result, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. The real magic is in the journey—the small moments, the learning, the habit-building. When you focus on the process, the results come naturally.

Pro Tip: Instead of obsessing over your end goal, celebrate the fact that you’re doing something every day. No matter how small. Progress is progress.

Wrapping Up: Keep Your Resolutions (And Your Sanity)

Keeping your New Year resolutions doesn’t have to be a dreaded chore. With the right mindset, some humor, and a touch of self-compassion, you can set yourself up for success. Remember, it’s not about perfection—it’s about progress. So go ahead and make those resolutions. You’ve got this, and hey, if all else fails, at least you tried! And there’s always next year…