Every year millions of people set New Year’s resolutions or goals that they hope to achieve. Unfortunately, research has shown that approximately 80% of people abandon their resolutions by mid-February.

The good news is that psychologists have found effective strategies for achieving your 2016 goals. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success and make 2016 your best year yet!.

1. Set Realistic Goals

One of the most important strategies for achieving your 2016 goals is to set realistic goals. If your goals are too lofty or unattainable, you are setting yourself up for failure. Instead, set goals that are challenging but achievable.

By doing so, you can maintain motivation and make steady progress throughout the year.

2. Make a Plan

Research has shown that people who make a plan for achieving their goals are more likely to succeed. Take the time to write down specific actions you will take to achieve your goals.

Breaking your goal into smaller, more manageable steps can help you stay motivated and on track.

3. Track Your Progress

Psychologists recommend tracking your progress as a way to stay motivated and to celebrate your successes.

Whether it’s a journal, a chart on the wall, or an app on your phone, tracking your progress can help you identify areas where you need to make adjustments and can help you see how far you’ve come.

4. Get Support

Research has shown that social support can be a powerful tool for achieving your goals. Let your friends and family know about your goals and ask them for their support.

You can also join a support group, hire a coach, or find a mentor who can help you stay motivated and accountable.

5. Focus on the Process

A key strategy for achieving your 2016 goals is to focus on the process rather than the outcome. While achieving your goal is important, focusing solely on the outcome can increase anxiety and decrease motivation.

Instead, focus on the steps you need to take to achieve your goal and celebrate your successes along the way.

6. Learn from Setbacks

Setbacks are a natural and expected part of any goal-setting process. Rather than giving up or becoming discouraged, learn from your setbacks. Evaluate what happened and what you can do differently next time.

Use setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning.

7. Stay Flexible

While it’s important to have a plan for achieving your goals, it’s also important to stay flexible. Life is unpredictable, and sometimes unexpected events can derail even the best-laid plans.

By staying flexible and adjusting your plan as needed, you can continue to make progress toward your goals even in the face of adversity.

8. Practice Self-Care

Psychologists recommend practicing self-care as a way to maintain motivation and stay on track with your goals.

Self-care can include things like exercise, healthy eating, getting enough sleep, and practicing stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga. When you take care of yourself, you increase your energy, reduce stress, and improve your overall well-being.

9. Visualize Success

Visualization is a powerful tool for achieving your goals. Spend some time each day visualizing yourself achieving your goals. Imagine yourself taking the steps you need to take, overcoming obstacles, and achieving success.

Visualization can help you stay motivated and focused on your goals, ultimately increasing your chances of success.

10. Celebrate Your Successes

Finally, don’t forget to celebrate your successes along the way. Whether it’s a small victory or a major milestone, take the time to acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments.

Celebrating your successes can help you stay motivated and can increase your confidence in your ability to achieve your goals.