It’s January 31, 2014, so that means we’ve made it through the first month of the New Year!

I’ve already experienced a few bumps in the road in these past 31 days. But I count in all joy and that’s why I wanted to share this post with y’all today.

Now I know a lot people find making resolutions pointless. But I think subconsciously we all make mental notes at the beginning of the year on how we want to improve ourselves and ways to make our life better. We create vision boards, set goals, hit the gym more often, begin saving money daily/weekly (y’all know about the money savings challenges out there) and even try eating right…I know I’m not the only one! But somewhere after January 1st all of our wishful thinking melts away just like the snow in Springtime, probably even faster than that.

“They” say around only 8% of the people who set resolutions actually achieve them. How discouraging right? But that doesn’t have to be the case, we can be in that 8%! We can achieve all the things we set out to accomplish this year…we really can! Here’s what I plan to do to help me succeed this year…

Believe in myself!

What you think has so much power! And if I doubt myself there’s no need anyone else trying to motivate me, right? Change begins within!

Eliminate and avoid the negative people!

I saw this on Instagram the other day and it’s so necessary. There will always be naysayers no matter what it is you’re trying to do and those people have no room in my life. I want to surround myself only with those who want to succeed in their own lives and those around them.

Don’t quit!

I know that I won’t be motivated or filled with inspiration everyday but I have to remind myself why I started in the first place.

I know it’s all easier said then done, but I’m really determined to make this year different. So far I’ve been doing pretty good with most of my goals and resolutions for the year. I will admit there are some that I’m really struggling to maintain. But everyday is new day to do better! So remember *singing in  my Aaliyah voice*, “If at first you don’t succeed, dust yourself off and try again…”

How are staying focused this year? What motivates you to set/accomplish your goals?