How to make not break 2012 resolutions

When the ball drops and the New Year begins, people set new goals for a new year. Why is it, then, that by a month into the New Year 20 percent of people have already gone back to their old ways and ditched their resolutions? According to goal-setting-guide.com, nearly 50 percent of people don't make it past six months following through with their goal.

Contrary to the disappointing statistics, goal-setting-guide.com also said 78 percent of people who have followed through with their commitment to a resolution have been more successful.

What makes sticking to your New Year's resolution so hard? It could be that you didn't realize how much it could change your lifestyle. Maybe you don't have the funds to do it at this time in life, or maybe you just got lazy.

No matter where you stand on the issue, it is good to know how to make your New Year's resolution successful. So here are some steps you can take to make your dream of a successful New Year's resolution come true.

1) Make your New Year's resolution realistic.

When choosing your resolution make sure it is a goal you can reach. For example, you shouldn't expect that you could pay off all of your debt by the end of 2012 if you have $100,000 worth of student loans. Instead, you could resolve to do something like pay off a little bit of debt every month. This way your resolution will be realistic rather than overwhelming.

2) Ask yourself, how am I going to get this done?

One way to get the job done is by writing down your resolution and giving yourself goals to achieve along the way by using a time line. If your resolution is to lose 15 pounds set a day to have it accomplished by and figure out how you will get it done. Will you run or bike? Will you eat healthier or eat smaller portions? Asking yourself how will help you visualize the end result of accomplishing your goal.

3) Motivation factor.

In order to make sure you keep up with your resolution you should do something to keep you motivated. Whether it is by making notes on random days in your planner or having someone ask you about your New Year's resolution on a weekly basis, motivation will help you keep going. Another way to help you follow through would be to find a person who has the same resolution as you and to work on it together. That way, you don't have to work toward your goal by yourself.

Many UW-Green Bay students have made New Year's resolutions for 2012. Some are specific and include big things like traveling to new countries or getting a 4.0 GPA this semester. Some, on the other hand, are more laid-back and fun--like attending a new student organization meeting or being more social. Here are a few UWGB students' goals for the New Year.

Lisa Rabe, senior human biology major, said her New Year's Resolution is to run a half-marathon in May.

"Find a plan and others who want to achieve the same goal to help you stick to your resolution," Rabe said.

Rachel Nicole White, freshman human biology major, said her New Year's Resolution is the same as her everyday resolution, which is to be better than she was yesterday.

"The traditional resolutions are kind of lame," White said. "And why do people have to wait until the New Year?"

Nellie Schafer, junior education major, decided to put a lot of small resolutions for herself into two categories: a better version of myself and make a difference resolutions.

"‘Better version of myself' has bullet points like eat healthier, take time out of my busy schedule for myself to do things I enjoy, turn off my phone for a few hours a day so I am not so attached to it and to tell the people I love and care about the most how much I care about and love them through small thinking-of-you notes, emails and gifts," Schafer said. "My ‘make a difference' list is all about what I can give back, because I have been so blessed with many things in my life. This includes volunteering to tutor students who are struggling, giving my best effort to help out the Notre Dame Lady Tritons basketball team as an assistant coach, and volunteering my time when opportunities present themselves."

Whatever your New Year's resolution is, take the students' advice and run with it. A resolution is what you make of it, so do your best. And don't worry if you didn't make a 2012 resolution—there is always 2013.

"In order for people to be successful I think that needs to be their mindset along with reminding themselves why they set these resolutions and goals in the first place," Schafer said.