It’s a new year, and that means a New Year’s Resolution has probably creeped its way into your mind, but recalling previous New Year’s Resolutions leave you feeling disappointed. There may be some science behind that. It has been proven that goals are more likely achieved when they are action plans, rather than outcomes.

Changing your mindset on goal setting, can help you to finally accomplish that goal you have been longing for. Maybe it’s packing healthier options when you are running around, choosing better choices when you and your kids run through the drive-thru line or fitting fitness in a few days a week. Whatever your goal, 2022 is the year to accomplish it and stick to it! Let’s get started on the right path!

• Focus on the progress instead of the result: Maybe your goal is to lose weight this year. This is a great goal to have, but I want to change the way you approach it. Instead of just focusing on eating less, try switching your goal to filling half of your lunch and dinner plate with vegetables and exercising 3 days a week. This will help you lose weight, but also give you a plan to do it! Turn your goals into actions.

• Measure it: Your goal needs to be concrete, so that you will know if you are accomplishing it. It can be about weight loss, sleeping more, being more positive, getting in more steps, etc. Whatever it is, there is a way to make it a tangible goal. If your goal is to get more sleep, have your New Year’s Resolution be that you want to get in bed by 10:00 pm every night. Need to move more?  Schedule three 10 minute walks a day on your phone so that it reminds you to get up and get moving.

• What you do every day matters more than what you do occasionally: Don’t be afraid to set a challenging goal that you know you may slip up on occasionally. If you get off track with your goal, it’s okay, try again tomorrow. If breakfast ended up loaded with calories, you didn’t kill the whole day! Make a lunch a better option and keep on trucking along!

• Track your progress: Have a goal where you can track improvements! It is very encouraging to see how far you have come. Keep notes in your phone, fitness tracker app, or journal! You can even make a calendar check list and post it on your refrigerator and bathroom mirror to keep you motivated and on track.

• Make it something you enjoy: If your goal is to eat healthier, don’t force yourself to eat foods you don’t like. Life is too short. Satisfy your hunger with the nutrient-rich foods you enjoy and gradually add more in each day. You want to wake up excited to face and conquer your goal.

Set those goals, develop a road map on how to get there and watch yourself accomplish what you haven’t before.