New Year, new you! You’ve heard it before and we can guarantee this time won’t be the last. Yet, statistics say that, 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by February.

But not this year! Kim Overton here, owner and founder of SPIbelt, and I’m committed to helping you live a healthy and active lifestyle. Below are a few of our tips, tricks and products to help you set your perfect New Year’s resolution and stick with it.

We have a feeling 2019 is going to be your year!

1. Set Realistic Goals

It’s easy to get caught up in the hype and set a goal that in theory sounds great, but at the end of the day just isn’t realistic. Are you going to go from being a couch potato to becoming a bodybuilder in the next six months? Probably not. Choose a goal that doesn’t just sound impressive, but that’s actually tangible. “I want to lose 10 pounds by May and get stronger so I’m able to lift heavier weights than I can now,” or, “I’ll consistently run at least 3 days a week and compete in my first marathon by the end of the year.” When the goal isn’t impossible, you’ll be far more motivated to work towards it.

2. Bring It To Life

Write down your goals to hold yourself accountable. Preferably in a place where you’ll see it every day, like in your planner or on a sticky note on your desk. Not only will this physical reminder push you on days when you’re feeling less than your best, but each time you see it you’ll remember why you set the goal in the first place. It’s also a great idea to tell a partner, friend or family member who will not only hold you accountable but also provide encouragement along the way.

3. Make A Plan

A good idea is never enough to succeed. You need a solid plan. Whatever your resolution is, sit down and devise a step-by-step plan for how you’re going to accomplish that goal. If you’ve resolved to work out four days a week, decide which types of routines or activities you’ll be doing so you’re ready when the day comes. If you’re trying to lose weight, figure out which types of foods you plan to eat, what kind of exercise you’ll do and how often, and what your daily schedule will need to look like to make all of that possible. When you’ve properly prepared, it’s almost impossible to fail.

4. Have The Right Tools

Whether it’s signing up for a gym membership, finding healthy recipes to cook, or buying a SPIbelt to hold your things while you workout, you’ll need the proper tools to help you accomplish your goals.

5. Set Check-Ins

Be it weekly, monthly, or however often you’d prefer, set aside time to take inventory of how you’re doing. If things are going well and you’re sticking to the plan, reward yourself with something like new workout gear or going to see a movie with friends. If you realize things aren’t going well and you’ve hit a roadblock, don’t give up. Instead, take a moment to assess why this might be and change your plans accordingly so you can make better progress moving forward.

A former fitness coach, Kim Overton is CEO of Austin-based SPIbelt®, which is committed to creating fitness products that help simplify your life and support a healthy, active lifestyle.