kcentv.com - KCEN HD - Waco, Temple, and KilleenHow To Make Resolutions And Stick To Them

Time is ticking until we kiss 2011 goodbye and begin a fresh, new year. That means as we rip open our 2012 calendars, many of us are contemplating resolutions in order to take strides towards a newer, better lifestyle.

But achieving a new you isn't easy. Ask anyone who's ever set a New Year's resolution.

"Some of them have fallen short, you know you forget what your goal was as the year goes on," recalled Nichole Anderson.

"The hardest thing is keeping with them all year," said Brandon Riley.

Around 45 percent of Americans make at least one resolution, according to statistics from Proactive Change, a New York based group.

Holly Romanov's is one we've heard before.

"Eat less, exercise more, lose weight," she said while weight training at the Waco Family YMCA Tuesday morning.

A new study out of Northwestern University reveals more than half of resolutions are fitness-related.

And sticking to them can be tough.

"Contrary to popular belief people don't know how to set goals (properly)," said life and executive coach Ingrid Martine.

Martine says goals are often too vague, or out of reach.

That's why trainers at the YMCA try to keep their clients grounded when they see the increase of people who hit the gym in full force come January.

"We have orientations where they're paired up with one of our trainers and they walk them through each one of these different machines that would be good for them to get a good starting point," said Program Director Chris Barnard.

After you've set a clear, attainable goal Martine says it's important to make the process fun. At the gym, bring a friend with a similar goal or change your normal routine to keep things interesting. That way you're not setting yourself up to make excuses that could keep you from progressing.

"The quarterback makes one pass to get further towards the goal...and you know you can have fun playing the game," she said.

Also, figure out why you want to reach that goal. A scuba diving trip where you need to be in shape? A new bikini you want to show off? Maybe saving up money for a ski trip next year? Keeping the specific reason in mind can help you stay motivated.

That's something Holly has covered.

"I like to buy clothes. And they fit better if you lose a little weight," she laughed.

Above all, the best strategy is to make small, realistic mini-goals to help you along your way. Martine and fitness trainers alike agree that these "small, sweet steps" will make a resolution easier to stick to for an entire calendar year.

Reporter: Rebecca Schleicher/Photographer: Thuan Nguyen

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