The new year symbolizes a beginning and an end. An end to the past and the beginning of the future year. New Year Resolutions are made by most people. However, most people I know, lose sight of their new year resolution within a week because these goals are simply not thoroughly planned out. Common resolutions are losing weight, cutting out toxic people, becoming more focused on work, becoming more organized, spending more time with friends and family, saving more, and staying fit and healthy. In order to actually have success with these goals, there are some key things to goal making to keep in mind.

1. Write out your goal.

Whether it is front and center on your fridge, or written in your phone- having it down somewhere helps it become more permanent.

2. Take it in small steps.

Speaking from personal experience, I know that I make my goals way to difficult to actually see success within the first week, but when you can see progress with the small steps, it makes it easier to keep going.

3. Make it measurable.

Similar to the last tip, making it measurable to chart, it can help you see the ultimate outcome. If it is a flimsy goal that cannot be measured, it is harder to follow through.

4. Keep a journal.

Keeping a journal of what you’re doing daily or weekly to have progress in the goal helps to reflect on what you’re doing right or wrong can actually be very helpful.

5. Have dates for progress.

Set specific dates for meeting the small goals. Write them down, put them on a calendar, set reminders, whatever works for you, do it and see your goals met.

6. Have an accountability partner.

Having someone who you work with on this is important to let the struggles out and have an unbiased source of understanding. When we keep our goals to ourselves, it is easier to let them slide.

7. Believe in yourself.

If you don’t believe in yourself, you will never get started on your goal. You won’t know what you're reaching for and what you can achieve because you don’t see that is is possible. Believe in yourself and see how far you can go.

Make 2017 the year you want it to be and be able to look back and say you met a goal. Then, at the end of 2017, you can look back to your past and celebrate the coming year and future.