As we enter a new year, many people are making resolutions in hopes of improving their lives. However, it can be a struggle to keep these resolutions and often they are abandoned by February. To help make your resolutions more attainable and ultimately make your year better, here are 10 smart tips.

Firstly, take the time to reflect on the previous year. Think about what you learned, what you achieved, and any mistakes you may have made. This reflection will help you identify areas in which you'd like to grow in the upcoming year.

Next, be specific with your goals. Psychologist Peter Drucker suggests using the “SMART” method - making your resolutions Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-Bound. For example, instead of saying "I want to grow my savings account," make it more specific by saying "I'd like to add $10,000 to my savings account by putting away 15% of my paycheck for a year." This specificity makes it easier to track your progress and stay motivated.

When setting health goals, take a balanced approach. Instead of solely focusing on physical aspects like weight loss, consider making improvements to your mental, emotional, or spiritual health. This broader perspective can lead to a more holistic and fulfilling approach to self-improvement.

It's important to choose resolutions that bring you joy. If a resolution doesn't excite you, it's unlikely that you'll make it a priority. This year, think about what truly inspires you and how you can bring more of that into your life.

Seek input from the people closest to you. Friends and family often know us better than we know ourselves, so their insights can be extremely helpful when setting self-improvement goals. Consider their suggestions when choosing your New Year's resolution.

To avoid feeling overwhelmed, keep your list of resolutions small and manageable. Having too many goals can lead to a feeling of defeat when you don't accomplish them all. Instead, focus on a few strong, specific goals that are achievable. This will provide you with more wins and keep you motivated.

When it comes to resolutions, writing them down is key. Putting pencil to paper helps you focus on your goals and map out your thoughts. Take the time to jot down your thoughts before finalizing your resolutions for the year.

Once your resolutions are written down, don't tuck them away and forget about them. Instead, display them in a spot where you'll see them often. Whether it's on a bulletin board, a sticky note on your mirror, or a vision board filled with images representing your goals, keep your resolutions on display to remind yourself of what you're working towards.

Share your resolutions with loved ones. Having others hold you accountable can be a helpful tool in reaching your goals. They can provide support and a healthy nudge to keep you on track.

Lastly, remember that New Year's is not the only time to set goals. If one of your resolutions isn't going as planned, don't give up. Goals can be made at any point in the year. As long as you are working towards a goal, you can feel confident that you are moving in the right direction.

In conclusion, by following these 10 methods for choosing a more attainable New Year's resolution, you can increase your chances of success. Remember to reflect on the past year, be specific with your goals, take a balanced approach to health, focus on joy, seek input from loved ones, keep your list manageable, write your goals down, display them in a visible location, share your resolutions with others, and stay confident in your ability to achieve your goals. Here's to a successful and fulfilling year ahead.