Eighty percent of New Year’s resolutions fail by February, according to U.S. News & World Report. What a staggering number! I believe that one main reason that most people may not achieve their resolutions are due to unclear and unrealistic goals. Perhaps we can learn from the 20% of people who do accomplish their realistic goals in taking better care of themselves.

Before getting out of bed in the morning, stretch a little and focus on some deep breathing as you focus on one thing you are grateful for in your life.
When you pick up your phone in the morning, search inspirational quotes and read one before you leave your home.
Make sure to eat breakfast every morning.
Listen to some relaxing music on your way to school or work.
Talk to yourself as if you were talking to your best friend.
Take a 20 walk in nature during lunch break or after work/school.
Pay attention to your feelings and name the feelings. Remind yourself that feelings come and go like waves.
Take 10 minutes to journal about your thoughts and feelings in order to process what’s happening and let go of the things you have no control over.
Set realistic goals and time frames to complete your goals. Be sure to include extra time for things that are out of our control (wifi problems, printing problems...)
Take time to decompress in the evening, ideally with no screens and think of two things you are grateful for in your day.

Given our busy and stressful lives, I would recommend that a new year is a wonderful time to reflect on what worked, what didn’t work and what can we do differently. Time for inner reflection helps us increase our self awareness and focus on what is in our control. I propose making self-care a daily practice. Once we make self care a priority in our life, we are better equipped to take care of our responsibilities, goals and dreams.