Each year around the same time, many people make New Year’s resolutions. If you want to make ones that work, then you have to set realistic expectations and create a viable plan to see it through.

Here are some helpful tips to make resolutions that will help you accomplish your goals:

Desire Change — Make sure you really want to change and are ready to embark on a serious commitment to make it happen.

Define Success — Clarify your goal in specific terms.

Write It Down — Once you know what you?re shooting for, spell it out. Keep it handy, and refer back to it.

Make Your Plan — It’ll be easier to fulfill your resolution if you establish a plan with realistic, simple, and specific goals. Only include steps that you know you’re able and willing to carry out.

Find Support — Depending on your resolution, you may have an easier time staying on track and reaching your goal with support and encouragement by friends, family, or a group of others trying to achieve similar results.

Seek Help — Success isn’t less sweet if someone gives you a hand. Seek professional help to get you going or keep you on track. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, quit smoking, get organized, write a book, learn something new, get out of debt, spend more time with family, or just about anything else, there are organizations with the knowledge and expertise to help you succeed.

Keep Track — Regularly review your journey to success, considering accomplishments and obstacles.

Be Flexible — Don’t get stuck. If your plan isn’t working for you, figure out what will and modify it.

Celebrate Your Success — Acknowledge your accomplishments, big and small. Don’t wait till you’ve fulfilled it all. Celebrate your progress.

Know What’s Next — Have a plan for what happens — and what you need to do — when you fulfill your resolution and meet your goal. Figure out how you will maintain your success.

Don’t give up on your resolution — and yourself. Change is hard, but you can do it. Take it one step at a time, and keep your eye on the prize.

Ready to take it to the next level? Make SMARTer resolutions to set yourself up for success!