Hallelujah, Coyotes!  Winter break starts this Thursday!  We’re going into an almost three-week break, and entering into a fresh new year.  Hello 2017!  If your family is anything like mine, this is the time when we gather together around the holiday table to spend time with each other, and share our unrealistic New Year’s goals that we rarely keep.  But, why can’t people keep their New Year’s Resolutions?  They only have to achieve one goal over the whole year.  Only one!  And yet, according to Statistic Brain, only 8 percent keep them.  Whether it’s getting your grades up, losing weight, or meeting that special girl, these resolutions are rarely accomplished.

Lots of people make New Year’s Resolutions,  47% of the population to be exact.  But 25% of us can’t even keep them through the first week, and most can’t keep them after six months.  So, let’s talk about how to not be one of those sad people without any self-control.  And, maybe this year, you can actually achieve your New Year’s resolution.

First off, you need to make rational resolutions.  Success coach Amy Applebaum says, “Most of us create resolutions that are too ‘big’ and therefore we can’t meet them.”  Take grades for example.  Some people think that they can go from F’s to straight A’s, which frankly, will never ever happen.  You should aim high, but make sure your resolution isn’t too unreasonable.  ‘F’ student…you’re probably not headed for Principal’s Honor Roll.  But passing grades?  That one is definitely a possibility!

Also, make a plan.  Your resolution isn’t going to be achieved without a strategy that you can stick to.  For example, if you want to be healthier, make a plan to eat better.  Cut down on the midnight snacks, and remember, the Dorito bags have got to go.  Instead, go for a healthier option like fruit, or vegetables (Eww!)  And most importantly, don’t give up if you screw up once or twice.  If you couldn’t resist that Twinkie or Menchie’s, don’t give up on your plan; keep trying to eat healthier one day at a time.

And, finally, remember change is a process; don’t look for instant gratification.  You must take baby steps.  Instead of working towards your end-of-the-year result, appreciate the small successes.  For example, if your resolution is to find a girlfriend, make small challenges to help you meet her, like “I’ll wave to her in the hall!” “I’ll smile at her!” or maybe even “I’ll talk to her today!”  Eventually, these little achievements will add up, and, maybe sparks will fly and you’ll have someone to stand in the lunch line with!  Desperate Coyotes, you’re welcome!

So, here are three tips to help you achieve your New Year’s Resolution.  If you give it your best shot, you may be one of the rare 8% of people who can honestly say, “I took care of business and accomplished my New Year’s resolution.”