A new year's resolution list is relatively easy to make, but fulfilling everything on the list proves to be the most challenging. If you want to break from the cycle of failing your resolutions every year, you should know how to fire up your motivation and never give up when faced with obstacles. This sounds easier said than done.

We all have different goals from stabilizing our personal growth and adopting healthier habits to focusing on our happiness. Whatever you plan to achieve this year is doable if you believe in yourself. But that alone is often not enough to follow through with what we have written on our list.

For starters, have realistic and measurable goals. Once that is settled, you can proceed with planning to make it happen. Have self-control, discipline, and patience. Invest time and effort in your goals. Prioritize and expect some discomfort along the way. It takes time for new routines to become habits, approximately 66 days.

Science-Backed Approaches to Keeping Your Resolutions

Expressing your will over your intentions is the key to making your New Year's resolutions a reality.

• Lessen The Stress- When we are stressed, it created a barrier to self-discipline which results in comprised intentions.
• Do Self-talk- Your inner voice can wield powerful self-control.
• Exercise Regularly- Increased blood flow to the frontal lobe from exercising is associated with higher-level cognitive function and executive functioning.
• Tell Someone- They can offer you support while holding you accountable for your goals.
• Empathize- Demonstrating empathy motivates self-control and motivates a change in behavior.

Change takes time. When you fail, be forgiving and gentle with yourself. You can always get back on your feet and start again. Be persistent!

Do you read ingredient labels? Polydimethylsiloxane, Propylene glycol, Azodicarbonamide, etc. The list goes on and on. You’re not sure exactly what they are, but it’s a pretty safe bet some of them shouldn't be part of a healthy diet.

If you’re like many people who want to avoid eating things they can’t pronounce, here are 4 tips to help you live and eat better:

1. When shopping at the grocery store, stick to the perimeter.  Fresh produce, meats, and dairy tend to be on the outer aisles of the store. Once you venture into the center areas of the store, where prepackaged foods are, the choices are not nearly as healthy.

2. Consider additives carefully.  While the Food & Drug Administration has approved additives, many people have adverse reactions to them. Some of the likely culprits include olestra, aspartame, artificial colors and flavors, monosodium glutamate, saccharin, sodium nitrate, sulfites, cyclamate, caffeine, BHA, BHT and acesulfame-potassium. Save the list to your phone, or print a list to consult at the store.

3. Don’t fall prey to thinking cheap can’t be healthy.  Dried beans, rice, old-fashioned oats, canned tuna and salmon, popcorn, frozen vegetables, and canned tomatoes are all healthy choices that are not very expensive.

4. Be choosy.  When in doubt, look at the labels. Choose the product with the shortest ingredient list.

Here’s to healthy… and pronounceable… dining. 

Whether you’re a dedicated weekend warrior or just decided to check out the free trial membership offer at the local gym, working out can be a great way to improve your quality of life. But along with the benefits come a few pitfalls. Here are some of the most common workout mistakes, and how you can avoid them:

1)  Doing the same workout routine every day.  You can avoid boredom by changing up your fitness routine. You need to rest overused muscles, so focus on different muscles on different days and add new exercises, too.

2)  Using the machines incorrectly.  If you are just copying what the other people are doing, you could cause yourself unnecessary pain, and end up wasting a lot of time. Invest in a trainer to show you how to exercise effectively and efficiently.

3)  You’re all about the cardio.  If you’re trying to lose weight, you need to add resistance training to increase your metabolic rate. Lifting weights in addition to your cardio training will help you burn calories 24 hours a day.

4)  Exercising on an empty stomach. Like a car needs gas to go, you need energy to fuel your workout. Some pre-workout food suggestions: a granola or protein bar, an apple and string cheese, or a slice of wheat bread with a tablespoon of peanut butter.

5)  Who needs to warm up?  You do! Warming up raises the body heat and prepares the ligaments and tendons for work.

Exercise can be a great part of achieving better health. Exercising the right way can help you keep up that healthy lifestyle.

With the start of every New Year, we all hope there's a healthy new us just around the corner. Instead of finding the same old us two or three months from now, here are a few things we can do differently this year:

• Document everything. Start a journal. Make a chart. Take pictures of yourself. If you can see evidence of the progress you're making, you'll be more encouraged.

• Start small. If a task is too big, it can overwhelm us. Make small specific goals, like “I will substitute water for two sodas.”

• Be prepared. Don't give yourself any reasons why you can't keep on track. Keep the gym shoes and clothes ready to go. Have healthy snacks in the fridge. Keep a list of alternatives to smoking on hand.

• Get plenty of sleep. Sleep loss can cause increased weight gain, along with other health problems. If you're giving up nicotine, extra sleep may help with the withdrawal.

• Exercise! Exercise helps control appetite! Exercise helps with stress! It keeps you warm when it's cold outside! Your body will release endorphins and you will be happy! Just keep repeating these things to yourself!

• Get help if you need it. Professional personal trainers can help set up a meal plan and exercise regimen specific for you and your daily schedule. Smokers can get free advice and counseling by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).

Don't give up. Most people give up on their New Year resolutions within 4 weeks. Try to stick with your plan for at least 6-12 weeks. If you aren't getting the results you wanted, re-evaluate your program and start again!

Does it feel like you are missing something in your life? Do you find yourself feeling listless or bored? It's important for each of us to feel like our lives mean something, that we were put on this planet for some sort of purpose.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said: "Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of destructive selfishness. Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'" 

In 1994, Congress designated the third Monday in January each year as Martin Luther King Jr Day, a national day of service. The MLK Day of Service is an excellent time to seek out a volunteer opportunity that could add purpose to your life.

How to get started? Visit the AmeriCorps MLK Day website. Scroll to learn more and find volunteer activities in your area. There are such a wide variety of services needed, and you are bound to find something that will appeal to you. If you've ever had a desire to try a second career, like teaching or baking, volunteering is a good way to get that experience. 

Helping others can help you find your purpose, and you'll find a reason to get up each day, to be happy and fulfilled.

With the start of the New Year, are you making some resolutions about your finances? Here are a few tips that might help you reach some goals for 2023:

Plan ahead for the coming year.  

Is your car going to need some major repairs, or will you need to purchase a new one? Don't put off thinking about large expenses till the last minute. Make some decisions now, and look for alternatives too. Perhaps the gym membership isn't affordable this year, but a thrift store bicycle might well be the answer. 

Change the way you think. 

Before you make a purchase, figure out how many hours of work are required to pay for it. Are you still willing to splurge? 

There are studies that show that people are willing to pay 30% more for an item when they're paying with a credit card. Having to fork over that hard-earned cash might deter you from spending so much of it!

Splurge sensibly. 

There's nothing wrong with having a few financial vices, because they can keep the others in check. Food, clothing and entertainment are often our weaknesses. So pick the one you can't live without—will it be the exotic coffees, or the designer shoes? 

A few changes can make a big difference in your financial state, so spend wisely in the New Year.