Start off 2021 with goals that will be achieved. To accomplish the goals that you set, they need to be reasonable and you should plan smaller, more manageable steps to take first.

A sure way to get started is to write down your resolutions and put them in a place where you will see them every day. For instance, pin them up on your bedroom wall so you see them right when you wake up every morning and will not be able to forget them. It is also proven that writing your goals down makes you more committed to them.

The first step in making sure you will fulfill your New Year’s resolutions is to check that your goals are attainable. Whether you have set short or long-term goals, confirm that they are realistic and will benefit you in the long run. Writing down a list of goals will not help you if you cannot reasonably accomplish them. According to the New York Post, a study at the University of Scranton showed that about 80% of people fail to maintain their New Year’s resolutions, mostly because they set unrealistic expectations for themselves.

Once you have affirmed that your goals can be reached, break them down into smaller, more manageable steps that will lead you to your ultimate aim. For example, if one of your resolutions is to always turn in your homework on time, write down a list of steps that will help you achieve this. Maybe you need to reserve a block of time in your day for completing your work, then set aside a spot to put the completed assignments so you will remember to take them to school.

Dr. Carly Moores of Flinders University suggests, “Start with small changes and continue to build on these or try to tackle one change at a time.” She acknowledges that trying to make too many changes at once can be overwhelming. These small steps will eventually become automatic and help you to reach your goals.

Most people do not stick with their New Year’s resolutions for very long because they have a hard time breaking their bad habits. Before they know it, the whole year has gone by and they have made no more headway towards achieving their goal than they had in January. Because of this, people often find themselves making the same resolutions as the previous year because they did not consistently put in the effort to attain their goals.

To fix this, a helpful tip is to come up with a reward system to motivate yourself to take the steps to reach your target. After each step you have completed, give yourself a treat to celebrate. This will drive you to continue working towards your final objective. Inform your family and friends about what you are trying to achieve. They will support you, remind you of the steps you should take and share in your celebration when you hit milestones.

McAuliffe eighth-grader Ethan Foster’s 2021 resolution is to “be accepted at Berkshire [a prestigious college preparatory boarding school].” Staying positive, he hopes to “endeavor over any challenge that comes across.”

For a fresh start this year, pursue resolutions for a happier, healthier life and take the steps to ensure that you will continue to conquer all of your aspirations.