With a new year comes new goals and deadlines. People make lists of how they can better themselves and it works… for the first week. After seven days, the novelty wears off and resolutions are forgotten. The lists are thrown away and carted off with spoiled leftovers from Christmas dinner. The gym memberships are cancelled, and money is squandered foolishly again. Rooms that were once pristine are back to having clothes strewn carelessly across the floor.

The problem with ending new year’s resolutions is that people who are happy about the steps being taken to be a better person are soon disappointed by the harsh reality: resolutions are always broken. While it started out as the truth, the resolution soon becomes a bleak reminder of the lies told to friends and family. The deadlines aren’t met, and procrastination soon takes over. However, there are ways to overcome this overwhelming burden.

Start small. Resolutions aren’t supposed to change a whole schedule. Set realistic time limits. Going to the gym seven times a week instead of once or twice isn’t realistic. Build on the amount as you get more and more used to your new schedule. Set aside a chunk of time dedicated for this specific resolution.

If you make a New Years resolution, stick with it. There are many reasons not to, but, if you continue it, you can better yourself. While the New Year brings high hopes to some, it also stresses people out about sticking to their resolution. It’s okay to miss one day of exercise or eat one cupcake every once in a while. Don’t worry about being perfect and sticking to your resolutions perfectly.