New Year’s resolutions…many of us make them, but few of us actually keep them. In fact, only about 12% of those who make New Year’s resolutions manage to achieve their goals.

If you are considering making changes this year, you might find yourself thinking about similar efforts you made last year that didn’t work out the way you had hoped. If you approach pursuing goals in this way, you may end up feeling discouraged or defeated before you even start to work on your new goals. And, a defeated mindset will only make it that much harder to achieve this year’s goals.

To help improve your self-confidence and increase the likelihood of you successfully pursuing your goals in 2019, here are 3 tips:

1. Give yourself credit for what you did accomplish last year

Think about what worked well for you this past year and what you achieved. Give yourself credit for both large and small successes. Even if you didn’t meet all your goals last year, it’s important to recognize and celebrate the things you did accomplish and give some thought to how you contributed to those accomplishments.

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2. Build on Your Strengths and Past Successes

Next, consider how you can build upon your past successes. Although it may be important to develop some new strategies, don’t overlook the fact that you can also build upon elements of strategies that worked well for you in the past. In addition, you can use past successes to encourage and inspire yourself.

3. Goal-Setting

Set reasonable, incremental goals. Think about your larger goals, and then break them down into smaller steps so you can experience a series of successes on the way to achieving the overall goal. For example, if you decide you want to develop a new exercise routine, but you haven’t exercised regularly in a long time, try to begin by walking 20 to 30 minutes 3 times a week, rather than trying to run for an hour daily. Then you can gradually increase the amount you exercise, if that’s your larger goal. Remember to keep track of your progress, so you will be able to recognize how much you are accomplishing and give yourself the credit you deserve.

Keep in mind that you may encounter obstacles along the way, and if you do, remember to give yourself compassion, appreciation and encouragement. Review the goals you’ve completed thus far so you can see all the progress you’ve made up to this point, and then think of ways to revise your plan that can help you to overcome the obstacles you have encountered. (And, remember that people almost always encounter challenges and obstacles on the road to success, so no there’s need to be discouraged.)

The same general process applies to any resolution you make: use small, achievable goals towards your ultimate goals. And, as you reach your smaller goals, remember to celebrate each accomplishment. You’ve earned it!

At Turning Point Life Coaching, you will find a knowledgeable professional who can help you set—and achieve—ambitious goals this year. Practicing out of Monroe County, NY, Audrey Berger has nearly four decades of experience as a life coach. She helps clients with everything from stress management to retirement. Whether you’re interested in entrepreneur coaching or you’ve been struggling since all the kids moved out, you can rely on this compassionate life coach for actionable guidance. Visit her website to see what past clients have to say, or call (585) 292-0095 to discuss your needs today.