New Year’s Eve is two days away and we have two tips for you!

It’s safe to say that many of us have a laundry list of self-improvement mantras tucked away and waiting for January 1, 2018 but chances are that we will abandon them in a few weeks. It happens every year. This year can be different though if you use Tip 3: Make a SMART resolution. A SMART resolution is one that will be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-framed.

If your New Year’s resolution is to lose weight, go to the gym and eat healthy, those are positive goals but they will lead you to failure. Focus on one thing and don’t load yourself down with too many goals. Let’s say you narrow it down to working out more. You’re getting there, but this isn’t going to be a successful resolution either because it’s not specific or measurable and there isn’t a time-frame for you to do it in.

A good example of a SMART resolution is, “I will lift weights at the gym 3 times per week on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday between 6pm-7pm until March.” This resolution is specific, it is measurable (meaning you can track your progress and see how you are doing each week), and it’s definitely achievable and realistic. Also, by saying you are going to do this until March, you are giving yourself a time-frame to achieve the resolution in.

Don’t plan your resolution for the entire year. Break it up in increments so you can evaluate yourself. This way if your resolution is not working, you can adjust it so that you can be successful. Who knows, maybe come March you will want to add more time or days at the gym!

You have a couple of days to think of a good resolution, just make sure that it is SMART. Another thing we should all be thinking about over the next couple days is how we can be safe on New Year’s Eve. Many of us will be ringing in the New Year with family and friends but how will you be getting home when the party is over?

Tip 4: Plan a sober ride in advance. You may not plan to drink on New Years Eve, but it might happen and in case it does make sure that you have a sober ride home. Talk with a family member or a friend ahead of time. This way someone will know to stay awake and check on you to see if you need a safe ride home. There are also options like Uber or Lyft if you don’t want to get a traditional taxi.

If you are with a group of friends, plan for someone to be the designated driver so that on New Year’s Eve night there is no confusion as to who will be driving everyone home. For those of you who are underage, if someone is pressuring you to drink, just say no or call a parent to come get you. Don’t be afraid to call your parents and ask them to pick you up. Remember that drinking and diving is never the answer.

Be smart about your decisions and your resolutions!

Have a happy, healthy and safe New Year!