With the joy of the New Year’s comes the difficulty of sticking to resolutions. It is possible to stick to those resolutions, but take these steps to get to your goal.

Step 1) Realize that New Year’s is just another day and that making resolutions on this day is no different from making a resolution on any other day. While it does feel like a new beginning, don’t put too much emphasis on your whole life changing.

Step 2) Pinpoint your most realistic resolution. Review the different areas in your life and think about what needs improvement. Don’t choose a radical change, only make one or two small resolutions.

“I keep my resolutions simple, and only make one at a time,” 8th grader Zoie Shaw said.

Step 3) Plan ahead. Dont make your resolution on New Year’s Eve. If you wait until the last minute, it will be based on your mindset that particular day. Instead, it should be planned well before Jan. 1 arrives.

Step 4) Outline your plan. Once you have decided on your achievable resolutions, write them down. Writing out your plan will help you stay on track and help avoid the temptation of skipping a workout or eating that piece of chocolate cake.

“I write down my goals, and make sure I keep on track with my resolutions,” 8th grader Daijah Giles said.

Step 5) Talk about it. Don’t keep it a secret: Tell your friends and family members who will be there to support your resolution to change yourself for the better. The best thing to do is find a buddy who shares your resolution and motivate each other.

“My New Year’s resolution is to get better grades, and my friend Elizabeth always helps me with papers or problems I’m having trouble with,” 8th grader Lourdes Zapatero said.

Step 6) Reward yourself. This doesn’t mean that you can eat a whole box of chocolate if your goal is to eat better. Instead, celebrate your success by treating yourself to something you enjoy that doesn’t contradict your resolution.

Step 7) Track your progress. Keep track of small or big successes. Short-term goals are easier to keep, and each small accomplishment will help keep you motivated.

“I write down my goals and check them off as I go/ do them,” 8th grader Elizabeth Basques said.

Step 8) Don’t beat yourself up. Obsessing over the occasional slip won’t help you achieve your goal. Do the best you can each day, and take one day at a time.

“I always have trouble keeping my resolution, so when I fail to accomplish my goal that day, I just start over the next day and take it little by little,” 8th grader Dasia Parks said.

Step 9) Stick to it. Experts say it takes about 21 days for a new activity to become a habit and six months for it to become part of your personality. It won’t happen overnight, so be patient.

“I usually don’t keep my resolutions, they only last about two to three months,” 8th grader Mohamed Abumerhi said.

Step 10) Keep trying. If you have totally run out of steam when it comes to keeping your resolution by mid-February, don’t despair.

“When I set small goals and do them monthly, I do better than saying Im going to keep them all year,” 8th grade ELAR teacher Sescelli Redd said.