January will be here before we know it – which means it’s time to start thinking about our 2023 New Year’s Resolutions.

Making a resolution is easy. But keeping one? That can be difficult.

Whether your 2023 resolution is to break old habits, finally get out of debt, or get healthier, these six pointers will help you stick with it throughout the year:

1. Dream big… but be realistic. Flipping a switch on January 1^st and suddenly making a drastic lifestyle change is harder than it looks. Instead, try starting with smaller goals that are still challenging, but attainable. 
   
   

   For example, if your resolution is to read more books, try starting with the goal of reading one book every month – not every week.
   

2. Make a plan. By writing out a detailed plan for HOW you will accomplish your resolution, you become more prepared for the journey ahead. When writing your plan, think about the challenges you may face on your journey – and how you’ll overcome them.
   
3. Get a buddy! Find a friend or coworker with the same goal as you, and help hold each other accountable through the process. You’ll keep each other on track – and have more fun!
   
4. Learn from past mistakes. Last year, you may have made a resolution to cook more meals at home… and then after a few weeks, got back into the old routine of grabbing takeout every night instead.
   

   Instead of being discouraged by that outcome, learn from it! Take some time to reevaluate your strategy for this year. What worked last time? What didn’t? How can you adjust to set yourself up for success?   
   

5. Make your goal specific. When a goal is too broad, it’s hard to know where to start. Instead of setting a resolution to “be healthier,” try for something specific and measurable – like exercising at least three times a week.
   
6. Give yourself grace. Unlearning a bad habit or taking on a new lifestyle takes time. Celebrate the small victories – and most importantly, don’t get discouraged when you slip up!