How to Make New Year's Resolutions Happen

Make a Plan and Stick to It

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Write out your goals and figure out how you're going to make them happen. It might take some outside help, so don't procrastinate if you need to hire a personal trainer or sign up for Weight Watchers.

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Set Minigoals

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It's best to stick to small, realistic, and tangible goals you can carry out, such as "lose one pound a week" or "exercise three times a week," instead of a broad idea such as "to lose weight."

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Then Celebrate Every Accomplishment

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Once you meet your minigoals (say you exercised three times a week for an entire month), then go out and celebrate — just be sure it won't undo all the good you've done. Get a pedicure, buy a new fitness top, get a massage, go skiing, or download a bunch of new songs off iTunes.

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Live by This Rule 24/7, or at Least 80/20

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The sooner you accept that exercising and eating healthy regularly are the way to see results, the sooner you'll start seeing results.

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Tell Everyone Your Resolutions So They Can Help Keep You on Track

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Tell family members, friends, co-workers, people at the gym, and even your doctor about your healthy goals so that whoever you're with, they can offer support.

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And Don't Get Mad When They Do

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They're only trying to help!

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Indulge a Little Every Day to Satisfy Cravings

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Whatever you crave, whether it's dark chocolate, wine, or even salty chips, have a small bite or two each day to curb cravings and prevent all-out binges later.

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Exercise With Others to Keep You Motivated

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If you make exercise plans with others, they'll not only help keep you accountable and motivated, but your workouts will go by that much faster.

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Dig Deep and Find a Personal Reason That'll Keep You Going No Matter What

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The only way you're going to stick with your healthy goals is if you make your reason for doing it so important, you can't give up.

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Try Something You've Never Tried Before

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If you've been trying to lose weight for years, it sounds like what you've been doing isn't working. So make a change in the way you exercise or eat. Maybe 2015 is the year you get on the CrossFit bandwagon or make mason jar salads for the week.

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Monitor Your Progress

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Nothing keeps you motivated toward a bigger goal than seeing your progress along the way. Find a way to keep track, whether it's by the scale, how your clothes fit, or how many pounds you can lift.

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Don't Give Up

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Even if your motivation starts to fizzle, don't let a few missed workouts or a week of less-than-clean eating turn into a habit. Tomorrow is always a new opportunity to get right back on your healthy path.

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