On New Years Eve I lost track of the amount of times that I heard "new year, new me". January is often filled with resolutions as long as grocery lists. Resolutions are firm decisions to do or not do something. Often we write down the big picture and forget the tiny mountains we have to climb to achieve it. Sometimes it's changing an attitude or the way you approach situations.

The most common resolution is to lose a desired amount of weight or eat healthier. Not all the weight is going to fall off over night or even after a couple of weeks. Most get discouraged and give up, rather than push forward. Take on your task a pound or two at a time. It makes your goal more achievable.

Other common resolutions are to spend less and save more. Like losing weight, saving money could be broken down into little celebrations. You won't save a large amount overnight. A few suggestions I have for saving money is take a percentage of your paycheck to put away, get a large jar to fill with change and don't touch it until the end of the year.

Another goal for 2017 could be to give more. Give to charities, give your time, give your support. There are many ways to give that does not require money. This might lead you into living your life to the fullest, which is another common resolution. You are giving a piece of yourself to others, making you feel whole.

I haven't met anyone who has ever stuck to their New Years resolution, but that doesn't mean there aren't people out there that do. I think that instead of them being firm decisions, they should be malleable. No matter what you have on your list of resolutions, approach them with determination and lots of patience. Have a sturdy support system by your side. Have faith in yourself and don't give up.