New Year’s Eve is approaching and so is the dread of realizing you haven’t achieved any of last year’s resolutions. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. According to research done by the University of Scranton, only about 8% of people actually stick to their resolutions. The rest of us have likely forgotten all about the things we’ve promised ourselves by the time January comes to a cold end.

This year, keep your resolutions, whether it’s eating healthier or being nicer to your little brother. Here’s how!

Set realistic goals: High school is a busy time. You’re juggling homework, sports, friends, family, maybe an after school job and tons of extracurricular activities. If your resolution is something like losing weight, keep it real. Chances are between your latest physics project and art club after school, you’re not going to have time to get to the gym everyday. Don’t have unrealistic expectations. Plan on going to the gym three times a week so you don’t get overwhelmed. Plus, you won’t have to deal with the disappointment of being unable to maintain your goal.

Be patient: Whatever you’re trying to achieve is probably going to take time, otherwise you would have done it by now. Maybe you’re trying to bring your grades up. Don’t give up if you fail your next math test. Don’t give up if you study hard but your average hardly rises. Nothing happens overnight. Try hard, get your work done, and go for extra help. You’ll see results soon enough and they will definitely be worth it!

Don’t beat yourself: Unfortunately, you’re going to slip up; you’re only human. Although it can be frustrating when you make mistakes on the journey to achieving your goal, it’s not the end of the world! So you ate that piece of cake in the fridge? You yelled at your siblings for touching your stuff? You failed your physics quiz? It’s fine. No need to get upset. Just pick yourself up and keep pushing toward your goal. Eat a salad for dinner that night. Tell your sister you’re sorry. Study harder next time and stay for extra help. You’re going to be much more disappointed in yourself if you give up on your goal before it is achieved.

Although the New Year is a great time to set goals and work to improve your life, you are not limited to January 1st. Change yourself for the better any time, any day. It’s never too late or too early to start doing the things you’ve always wanted to do.