It’s hard to believe we only have a few days left in 2017! I always take some time during the last week to reflect on the resolutions I made the previous year and come up with some goals for the year ahead.

This is a clean slate. A FRESH START! You can make a promise to yourself to get healthier, chase a dream, turn a hobby into a job or cross off some of the bucket list items you’ve been sitting on. Feeling motivated?

Forewarning, there will always be the run of the mill resolutions like dieting, not cussing (sorry, but no can do), less shopping, more exercise that trip you up. How many times can you say you’ve actually stood by a resolution and finished strong? I will be the first one to admit my track record is not squeaky clean…

The problem is most of us set new year’s resolutions that will fizzle out of existence in a matter of weeks. Sometimes we might set the bar too high or pile on too many resolutions to realistically maintain. This year I’m challenging myself and YOU to make it happen. Below are a few steps I’m following to keep with my goals in 2018. I hope they can do the same for you!

#1 Start Small

We have all been there – excited about the new year and SO over the past year. We are ready for our “New Year, New You” moment. We start thinking of all the resolutions that could really make a change and a difference in our lives. That’s your first mistake, sweetie. If you set TOO MANY goals, you run the risk of having TOO MANY things to work, which results in just about nothing. Start with one or two SMALL resolutions in January and then add another when February comes (should everything be going just peachy). The more you see positive results, the more motivation you’ll have to keep it up.

#2 Morning Glory

Oh…that resolution. The resolution to workout at least once a day or get up and do something active. Who has made that resolution to eventually see it vanish in the second week of January (slowly raising my hand to this)? It’s harder to make a decision to do anything in the evening after we have worked all day, made dinner for the family or something else came up like happy hour at that chic new spot downtown (usually my case). My advice? Start your new year’s resolution in the morning. Trust me, I know it’s not easy to get up and get going at 5 a.m., but girl, once you’re up you will feel so proud… the coffee helps too.

#3 Accountability is a Thing

We all have that girlfriend who knows the entire you and knows your downfalls. What better way to stick with your resolutions than having an accountability partner? I’ve had those moments when I’m ready to give up or cheat (looking at you cupcakes), BUT my girls made sure I stuck to my promises and reminded me of end goal I had set. All the wants, the needs and the excuses are no match when your girlfriends are on the case!

So, with all that said… what resolutions are you making this year? Happy New Year everyone!