The beginning of a new year is a time to start fresh. A time to let go of the past and focus on yourself. Many people use this opportunity for fitness goals, educational goals, or just little things that they've never been able to start until now. The new year holds new possibilities. That is, if you stick to the plan. According to a study from the University of Bristol, 88% of people fail to keep their New Year's resolutions. However, you can be in that remaining 12% by making a few changes in the way you think about resolutions.

1. Shout out your goals.

Let people know what your resolutions are. Post them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, whatever you need for people to see them. This will be an outward affirmation in your attempt to keep your resolution. Also, it makes it really awkward if someone asks about your workout plan if you ditched the gym in mid-January.

2. Make your resolutions visible.

You have no motivation to reach your goals if you can't see them. Break out the construction paper and make a visual representation of your resolutions. Put it somewhere where you can't help but see it every day: on the fridge, on your bathroom mirror or even above your bed.

3. Keep track of your progress.

You don't have to keep some fancy spreadsheet about how much you're saving or how much weight you're losing, but you need to keep track in some way. I am a very visual person, so any way that I can see how far I've come is really motivating.

4. Hold yourself accountable.

If you have a fitness goal, get someone to go with you. It's harder to skip out on the gym if you're supposed to be meeting someone there. If you know your friend won't be any help, think about a personal trainer. They're paid to motivate you, and are a huge waste of money if you don't show up. Consider having a friend designated to ask you about your resolutions every so often. It'll be a little embarrassing if you have nothing to tell them.

5. Treat yourself.

Let yourself have a break every once in awhile. If you've really been working hard on your resolutions, you deserve a treat. Take a little of the money you've been saving and get yourself a massage or go out to eat. If you've gone to the gym so many days in a row, treat yourself to some new workout gear. The end goal is a little easier to get to if there are small rewards along the way.

Overall, New Year's resolutions are what you make them. It's a great time to start something, but it's not the end all be all of self-improvement. If you fall off the wagon, you don't have to wait until next January 1st to hop back on. So make a plan, and on December 31st you can toast to a new year, new you and new goals.