We’ve all done it – we’ve made promises to ourselves that we would start going to the gym every day, start eating healthier, stop spending so much money on things we don’t need, and to stop texting that person who dragged you in circles for the entire past year. We’ve also all hit that two-week mark in mid-January where we start to give up on following our resolutions, by February we’ve completely given up, and by March – chances are we’ve added a brand new bad habit to the ever-growing list.

So how can we stick to our resolutions for once? Though I might not have the best track record with keeping my New Year’s resolutions, a few have managed to stick – and here’s how I did it:

1) Make a list – and check it twice. By setting tangible goals, it’s much easier to stay on top of your resolutions. Know exactly what you’re trying to aim for, understand the steps you need to take to reach them, and how you’re going to overcome the obstacles that you will inevitably come across on your path to meeting the goal.

2) Get your friends and family on board. Going to the gym and cutting out chocolate will be a lot easier if you’re not doing it alone! Set a schedule so that you can meet your pals at the gym, and cook with your family to help everyone start eating healthier.

3) Know that small improvements matter. Setting a weight loss goal of 30 pounds in the first month just isn’t reasonable (or healthy,) and cutting things out of your life cold-turkey is going to make you revert right back to your old bad habits. While it seems like it would be great on paper, you’re going to have to be honest with yourself and set small goals so that you can have small achievements throughout the year. You’ll feel much better for it.

4) Understand how one small failure isn’t the end of the world. Falling off the wagon is going to happen – but don’t let it get you down. Polish yourself off, look back at your list of step and accomplishments and your support system, and realize that your goal is still in sight. However, also know that small setbacks might mean that your goals need to be reevaluated to be more reasonable – but never give up!

Lastly, and possibly most important, make goals throughout the year. Don’t just limit yourself to improvement at the beginning of the year because of that silly tradition of setting a resolution – self-improvement should be a life-long goal in and of itself.

While all of these may seem obvious, it’s often a lot harder to stick to your guns that it sounds. Keep those promises, and in December, look back and reflect on all the progress you’ve made. (I’m currently looking back on all my accomplishments for 2016, and already planning on how I can become an even better person in the new year.)