By Roo Ciambriello

6 Tips for Keeping New Year's Resolutions

1. Make resolutions reasonable. Immediately trying to start a strict diet when you’ve been dining on pizza and ice cream probably isn’t feasible. Think about what you can realistically attain and shoot for that. It helps prevent feeling discouraged if you’re unable to stick to your newfound lifestyle.

Tip: Capture memories from the beginning of the year in a homemade time capsule, then open it in a year or two to see how things have changed.

2. Break resolutions into manageable tasks. Instead of “I will lose 30 pounds,” try losing five pounds by February 15. And another five pounds by April 1. Setting smaller goals is less daunting than a monumental to-do list.

3. Pick resolutions that can be quantified. “Clean out the basement and adopt an organized folder system in the home office” might deliver better results than the vague “be more organized.”

Tip: Help curb common bad habits with our organizing tips.

4. Become a student. If reading articles about decluttering or healthy recipes motivates you, schedule a time for that regularly. Finding an amazing slow cooker chili recipe might be the motivation you need to press on.

1. Rally together. You and a friend can take turns helping each other with small organizational tasks (one week is your linen closet; the next week is her desk drawers). A fresh pair of eyes helps figure out what to keep and what to toss, plus you’re less likely to flake when fueled by tasty snacks and good company.

6. Reward yourself. When you reach a small goal, celebrate! Purchase new running shoes, go out for dinner or take a relaxing day trip. Changing life habits can be difficult, and success should be rewarded.

Tip: Don’t be discouraged if you’re not where you thought you’d be, and it’s not essential to start on the first of January. Resolve to start again if you’ve slipped. January 21 is just as good as January 1.

Roo Ciambriello (that’s ru cham-bree-yellow) is a freelance writer who spends her spare time listening to hip hop and pining over Mexican food. She’s got a fun little storytelling blog, NiceGirlNotes, and frequently Tweets about her 90s nostalgia at @roociambriello. Roo lives with her musician husband, Jack, three little girls (her? three kids? I know!), and possibly a rabid raccoon in a beach town in Connecticut.