2017 is going to be the best year yet! This is what we hope, at least. Sadly, many of our New Year’s resolutions don’t last beyond January. In fact, only 8% of people successfully achieve their resolutions, according to research from the University of Scranton. Have you fallen into any of these goal-crushing traps?

Only focus on the short-term.
Long-term goals are overwhelming. Short-term goals help me enjoy the moment.

Make your resolution about the outcome, not the journey.
There’s no point to the journey if it doesn’t lead me anywhere.

Forget to schedule time for your resolution.
Who needs a schedule? I’ll find time to accomplish my goals without planning.

Don’t share your resolutions with your community.
It’s more impressive to be independent.

Rely on your memory to keep track of your progress.
Written records are outdated. Whatever I need to remember will stay with me, along with all the other things I need to remember.

Celebrate only if you keep your resolutions for the entire year.
Half-way progress is nothing to get excited about. I’m an all-in kind of person.

Never reevaluate your resolutions.
Once I state them, there’s no going back.

If keeping your resolutions becomes difficult, just give up.
No one needs more hardship in life. If I don’t feel like it, I don’t do it.

If you’re hoping for a way out of these tempting alternatives, take a look at this list. You got this!

Set short-term goals for long-term results.
People who break their resolutions into small, manageable chunks typically have more success. Measure your progress along the way!

Make your resolution about the journey, not the outcome.
We learn and grow in the daily pursuit of chasing goals. Finding value in the journey will encourage you to press on even when the going gets tough.

Schedule time for your resolution.
It’s hard to find time to do the things we want to do, let alone the resolutions that challenge us. So, it’s important to schedule time to focus on our goals.

Employ the buddy system.
We are all better together! Tell your friends and family about your resolutions and ask them to keep you accountable.

Keep Records.
Set mini goals for yourself and record your progress every month. Tracking it incrementally will reveal areas for improvement.

Celebrate little victories.
Think of ways to treat yourself along the way. Creating incentives for yourself will increase your willingness to work hard!

Reassess your resolutions.
If something is not working, it’s okay to modify your resolution. Resolutions should encourage you to become a better version of yourself, not a perfect version of yourself.

Don’t give up so easily.
Too often people throw in the towel on resolutions because of one slip-up. We all give in sometimes! Don’t let mistakes become excuses to give up on big goals. Forgive yourself, move on, and keep trying.