Every new year people become inspired and motivated to set new goals and resolutions that they want to accomplish by December 31. I know that I always try to set new goals every year and 2017 is no different from the rest. I will write down and list out things I want to improve on and change. Things like I want to work out more or procrastinate less. However, I’m sure most people will agree that it’s not always that easy to maintain your goals. There is always something that comes up, work or school gets crazy and, well, life gets in the way. I don’t know about everyone else, but I am determined to make 2017 different than the past years and actually follow through with the goals I write down.

So here are some tips to keep your New Year’s Resolution(s) that I am going to use this year to keep the ones I make, and I hope they help everyone else too.

Have a buddy system

Mine is usually my boyfriend. I really like doing this because both my boyfriend and I are competitive people and we keep each other accountable. This year we are going to do a 30 Day Challenge, where we try to workout or be active for 30 days in a row. I know that with our busy schedules it will be difficult some days, but knowing that he’s in the same boat as me is comforting.

Get a positive support group

This is a big one. It helps so much to surround yourself with people who are supporting you with your goals and encouraging you. There are going to be those people who say, “Oh, there’s no way you can do that.” or “Yeah, good luck with that.” They might be saying it jokingly, but I know that when I hear people say that to me over and over, even if they’re my friends, I start to question my own motivation. So try to get a positive support group, like your New Year’s resolution buddy!

Remind yourself of your end goals

Have fun with this one. I am obsessed with my planner (Erin Condren; they’re amazing) so I like to write things throughout it to remind myself of my goals. As silly as it sounds, even writing sticky notes and posting them places you can read them can really help encourage you to reach your goals.

Create a resolution board

This one is really fun. In 2015 my boyfriend and I created a resolution board where we posted all the things we wanted to improve on. We put pictures, quotes, bible verses, and decorated it. Okay, it was mostly me decorating it, but I had a lot of fun with it, and I know he appreciated it too.

Keep your goals realistic

Don’t try to make some unrealistic, crazy goal. You’re just already setting yourself up for failure. It’s good to want to achieve big things, but remember to start small and the bigger goals will come. What I’ve learned is to create goals in increments. I do my goals in four parts. Three, six, nine, and twelve months. I create goals I want to achieve in the next three months, then bigger ones in six, and so on and so forth. This way I can balance all my resolutions in a way that makes them more achievable.

Remember that your goals take time

This is something that is hard for me. When I get motivated to do something I want to see results there and then. I have to remind myself that I just need to keep going and that it will all come in time.

Keep it fun

Trust me. This makes it all so much more enjoyable. Your resolutions shouldn’t feel like work or forced. They can be difficult or challenging, but they shouldn’t be ruining your life. They’re there to make it better. Also, make some fun resolutions too. My boyfriend and I made a resolution to go one more date nights. I made a resolution to write for fun instead of for work or school.