>quot;See, you know how to make the resolution, you just don't know how to *keep* the resolution and that's really the most important part of the resolution, the keeping. Anybody can just make them.>quot;

It's a vicious cycle that thousands of us go through every year - making those resolutions and then breaking them a few short months (or weeks!) later. Here are a few tips from ApartmentGuide.com to help you keep those resolutions:

• Don't go overboard. A guaranteed way to fall short of your goal is to make your resolution unattainable (or so difficult as to seem unattainable). For instance, resolving to *never* eat your favorite desserts again is unrealistic. Strive for the goal that's more reachable, like resolving to reduce the amount of dessert you eat.
• Think ahead. Don't make your resolutions at the last minute. Really think about the change you want to affect on your life. Good decisions aren't made at the last minute or in haste (just ask about 80% of those Vegas weddings ;). These resolutions aren't a task list, they're life changes and they should be well-planned.
• Organize your plan. Decide ahead of time what your answer will be when you don't feel like going to the gym, or you have an overwhelming craving for the Chunky Monkey. Whether it's a friend 'talking you down' or practicing positive thinking and self-motivation, find the answer ahead of time and it's easier to fight off the temptations when they appear.
• Write it down! List the reasons why you've made the resolution. It doesn't have to be comprehensive, in fact, it can evolve over time. But when your resolve is wavering, refering to the list and the positive outcome your resolution is having on your life can be an incredible motivator. Just ask Earl Hickey.
• Share. Don't keep your resolution to yourself - make sure you tell your friends, family and coworkers about your goals. Let them be your built-in cheering section to help keep you on the path of resolution fortitude. And you may find a buddy who has the same resolution - a shared goal is a great motivator.
• Treat yourself. If you're making good progress, give yourself a reward. Now, this doesn't mean one of everything from the Wendy's value menu, but treat yourself to something that you enjoy.
• Take notes. Be sure to track all of your successes, whether large or small. But smaller goals are easier to attain and help keep you motivated so if you have a large goal of losing weight, break that total goal up into smaller chunks so you can see regular progress.
• It happens to everyone. Don't worry or obsess over the occasional step backwards. Mistakes happen and the best thing you can do is get over it and keep going forward.
• Keep at it! It takes, on average, about 3 weeks for a new activity to become a habit (and around half a year for it to become part of your personality). So be persistent and before you know it, this resolution will just be a part of you.

Resolutions aren't limited to January. If you do find that you've gotten off-track (or completely derailed) just start over! You can make a resolution at any time during the year.