Regardless of what you’re looking to improve in the new year, now is a great time to set goals.

Ready to get to work on some physical, emotional, mental or financial wellness resolutions in the year ahead? Here are four tips to help you get closer to achieving them:

Set Reasonable Resolutions

Reasonable resolutions are those that you will be able to keep striving for over the next 12 months.

If the idea of exercising 5 times a week, every week seems like it’ll be nearly impossible to stick with, it probably will be. Try setting goals that are within reach and attainable, regardless of what they are. Only you can decide how hard you’re going to work or how committed you’ll be throughout the year, so plan accordingly.

And don’t forget, if you think you’re in an all-around good place in regards to health and wellness, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with setting a goal to maintain that all year long!

Savor Short-Term Wins, Focus on Long-Term Goals

One of the best ways to realize a larger, long-term vision is to break it up with smaller, short-term milestones throughout the year.

Rather than just saying you want to lose 30 pounds by the end of the year, commit yourself to losing a couple pounds every month. Or instead of promising that you’ll have a strategy to get your diabetes under control right away, start with just making an appointment for our Center for Diabetes Education within the first couple weeks of the new year.

You’ll be surprised with how much easier it is to take on a long-term goal when you break things up into several short-term milestones. And when you accomplish those smaller goals, enjoy it — you deserve it! Just make sure you keep your eye on your ultimate goal every step of the way.

Don’t Get Discouraged by Setbacks

Just like everything in life, the route to achieving your goals won’t be without its own ups and downs.

Stay true to your resolutions as you reach major milestones but, more importantly, don’t get too down on yourself if there are any setbacks. You’re only human, and getting too down on yourself for any mistakes or missed goals along the way is only going to make it harder to accomplish what you set out to achieve.

Take the Journey with a Friend

Resolutions are always better with company! Share your goals with family and friends who will hold you accountable, and partner with someone who can help you stay focused throughout the year. And with the partnership of a trusted primary care physician, you can rest assured that all the goals you’re setting are in line with your overall health and wellness.