While many of us often mock the rest of us who proclaim “new year, new me” come every January 1st, I am one of the few who likes to make a few resolutions every year. I love reflecting on the past year every new year and try to brainstorm novel ways of self-improvement.

However, this is not always an easy feat. While 40% of Americans make resolutions, 80% of those fail by February. By December, only 8% of those who made resolutions actually succeed.

A good way to make sure you are successful in finding a way to keep track of your progress. I usually keep a journal or keep track on the Notes application on my phone.

1. Maintain my weight.

Last New Year’s Day, I made a resolution to finally lose my freshman fifteen (thirty), and I was successful in doing so (I’m the 8%!!), but in all the stress of the holidays, it is easy to regain the weight right back. I am making this resolution in order to remember that good physical health is not a finish line but an ongoing journey. To keep this resolution, I intend to keep my regimen of lifting weights, cardio, and a healthy diet.

2. Read more books

In 2017, I read sixty books, which was in itself great. However, I planned to read 100 books during 2017. So in order to read more, I am going to make sure I always have a book when I leave the house and not waste any downtime, and hopefully, at the end of 2017, I will be boasting about reading in the triple digits.

3. Be more mindful

One easy way to ensure good mental health is being more mindful. In 2017, I attempted to make more of an attempt to meditate and reflect, but ultimately I was not successful. This year to be more mindful I am going to carve out specific times to meditate and just do it.

4. Do more yoga

At the beginning of 2017, I was all about the yoga. Then slowly but surely, life got in the way. Yoga has physical and mental benefits. Yoga strengthens your core, and it also allows you to reduce anxieties.

5. Have less

After reading Marie Kondo’s book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, I have dabbled in leading a more minimalist lifestyle. Since then, my life has actually changed. I waste less time looking for things, and I love how open and clear my space has become. However, I think there is even less I can own, and I challenge myself to get rid of less this year. This also includes making less unnecessary impulse purchases.

6. Document more

I can do way more to document more about my day and adventures. This can range from taking pictures of events with family and friends to journaling more often. One day, all of this will just be a memory, but documenting more of what makes me happy will allow the memories to last longer.

Happy new year and good luck with your resolutions!