It is well known that January is the busiest season for setting New Year’s resolutions. After the holiday season of eating, drinking, and being merry, many of us have set goals in the realms of exercise, diet and weight loss, to name a few. Despite our best intentions, many of us abandon our resolutions before the year is through, and a third of us won’t even make it to the end of January! What is it that stops us from attaining our goals and keeping our commitment to resolutions? Several factors are at play and we have some great tips to help you navigate achieving your goals.

Relax, you don’t have to be a super-hero to commit to being healthier this year and sticking to your resolutions. Whether your goal is to walk around the block or run a marathon–you can get there! Check out these strategies to help you stick to those resolutions in the coming year. We believe in you.

Write it and Measure it
Resolutions or goals of any kind should be both specific and measurable. Writing down your goals can help you figure out what matters most and how you plan to achieve the task at hand. One way to do this is to follow the SMART model by keeping your goals specific, measurable, achievable, results-focused, and time-bound. For example, if you want to go from couch-surfing to a 5k, you might start out something like this, “Over the next 8 weeks I want to run a 5k. I will plan to start by walking every other day for 20 minutes for the first week.” You can then build your bigger goals with smaller measurable steps that will help you achieve your larger goal.

Make it Manageable
The key to reaching your goals is to make small consistent changes, gradually, over a period of time. If you have never run in your life and you want to go from couch to 5k, you might need to start with something simple such as walking around the block each day. Break it down and then gradually and steadily increase the activity level from walking to speed walking, then to jogging.

Find Your ‘Why’
A steady routine of exercise can result in six-pack abs or losing a few dress sizes before that next big event, but superficial goals can lose their appeal over time. Before starting your new routine ask yourself why you made this resolution and what you are hoping to achieve from it. Having a strong ‘why’ can help motivate you toward success with your goals.

Hold Yourself Accountable
Find an accountability partner and schedule your new activity with a friend. Knowing that someone is waiting for you to go jogging or to meet up at the gym can prevent you from skipping the activity altogether. Plus, it can be a lot more fun than going it alone.

Gear Up with Fun New Gear
Something as simple as buying new workout clothing or a new SmartCells Cushioning Technology performance mat can improve your confidence and help you keep going on your goals. SmartCells also offers performance insoles that cushion and support your every step, jump or run from the ground up.

Be Forgiving
Set-backs happen, and are even expected. There isn’t a single person out there who hasn’t stumbled in their path to reaching their goals. If you are prepared for slip-ups it won’t feel quite as tragic when things don’t go as planned. Be kind to yourself and remember to just keep going and don’t give up. We believe in you and we know you can do it.

Content borrowed from our Partners at Fastech / SmartCells: http://www.smartcellsusa.com/6-strategies-help-stick-fitness-resolutions/