As the new year starts, New Year’s resolutions are created. While it's good to have goals in sight, many fall short in seeing the fruition of their New Year’s resolutions. It may be common for New Year's resolutions to fail and many people have already gotten used to the idea of easily coming up with excuses; what’s really important is to develop the grit to stick with them.

Studies reveal that only about 16 percent of people can follow their resolutions, with the majority giving up within one to six weeks. Some people may think that New Year’s resolutions are made to fail BUT the right habits can turn things for the better. Read on to know the steps that can save New Year’s resolutions from total failure.

Simple steps to stick to your New Year’s resolutions

Set a specific goal.

When setting goals, stay away from ambiguous ones. Unrealistic goals are unreachable. Set specific and realistic goals to have a clear view of the steps that must be taken to achieve them. This will also help map out strategies for the whole year.

Take one goal at a time.

Focus your energy on one goal at a time. Trying to accomplish them all at once can be daunting. Keep in mind that the fulfillment of New Year’s resolutions will require establishing new behavioral patterns--a process that usually takes time and sustained effort. Take it one step at a time to make it much more achievable.

Come up with a detailed plan.

Once goals are set, it’s time to plan strategies to achieve them. Be detailed when creating a plan. Include actionable steps and milestones to reach, making it easier to stay on track with your goals. Don’t forget to develop a plan B so that continuity will be established in case the original plan fails.

Learn from past failures.

This is especially important for those who aspire to reach the same goals. Learn from past mistakes. Evaluate the results of previous New Year’s resolutions. Identify the strategies that worked as well as those that didn't help. Know the issues encountered to understand how they can be addressed or avoided. Be open to trying new strategies that can contribute to success.

Find dependable partners.

Motivation can also come from other people. Close friends, family members, or a significant other can provide the motivation needed to keep New Year’s resolutions from failure. Aside from these groups, professional health may be sought depending on the goals that must be achieved. For instance, a fitness guru can help with “health and wellness.” When it comes to money matters, seek the help of a financial advisor who can set your path toward financial independence.

ALSO READ: Future planning for young but wise students

New Year’s resolutions are usually geared toward breaking bad habits that developed through the years. Resolutions do not unfold instantly. These take time, patience, and the right strategies to succeed. Stay committed and motivated to change behaviors and replace them with new habits that can help lead to a better life.

Do your new year’s resolutions include financial independence? Talk to a Sun Life advisor today or check out our website to find a range of financial products and services that suit you and your most important goals.