If you’re hoping nobody really asks you this question, you’re in luck. Since only about 8% of people manage to stick to their resolutions long-term and fewer than 46% manage to keep them for six months, there’s a good chance nobody’s going to bring it up. If you are starting to backslide on your resolution but still think its worth pursuing, here are some questions to ask yourself.

Why?

The reason you made this resolution may seem obvious, but it may not be particularly compelling. It is hard to commit to a resolution that you made because someone else wanted you to. The same holds for resolutions related to goals you hope to achieve in the very long-term or goals that indirectly support an outcome you desire. Creating a direct link between your resolution and your values creates the change in mindset you’ll need to achieve long-term behavior change.

It will be easier to achieve a resolution like this: “I will demonstrate that I am a financially responsible person by contributing to a retirement plan each month.”Than this: “I will contribute to a retirement plan each month so I will be ready to retire in 20 years.”

And easier to stick with a resolution like this: “I will give feedback to the people I supervise at least one time per month, because I want to be a leader who supports professional development.” Than this: “I will give feedback once a month because it will increase employee engagement.”

In both of these examples, the resolution is linked to a value – how a person wants to describe themselves – financially responsible, a supportive leader.

If the idea for your resolution came from someone other than yourself, framing your reason in terms of your relationship with that person may help:

“I will stop interrupting in meetings because I want to have better relationships with my co-workers.”
“I will stop buying junk food to support my partner in their healthy eating goals.”

If the relationship is important to you, it may be easier to change your mindset to achieve the goal.

Once you identify the reason for your resolution and are able to change your mindset, the rest of the questions are more straightforward.

What?

What specific actions will you take to further your goal? If your resolution is to “stay current with management literature,” what does that really mean? What would success look like? A more specific goal would be: “read for one hour each day” or “read one book per week.”

How?

Once you have a specific goal or action you would like to take, think through the specifics on how. This may involve more than one step: 1. “I will pack salad and healthy snacks to be sure I eat healthy food during the day.” 2. “Add these items to my grocery list so they will be on hand when I need them.” It may also involve thinking about how you will not behave instead: “I will resist the temptation to buy delicious Thai food from the truck near the office at lunch time.”

Where?

This will be easier for some resolutions than others. If you are planning to run on your own treadmill, the location will be obvious. If you are planning 15 minutes of reflection before bed and you don’t live alone, it may be trickier. Be specific in your planning: Where will I find a quiet place? What gym will I go to? What do I need to pack in the gym bag and is it ready to go? What route will I run?

When?

If your goal is to read more books related to your work but haven't found the time in the past, maybe working them into your commute as audio books or podcasts would be a better fit. If you are planning to go to the gym, identify the specific time you will go and include travel time. Block the time in your calendar, so the plan will be more concrete. Look for ways to make the time – be creative!

Who?

Some people are much better at sticking to their goals if another person is involved to hold them responsible. This can mean asking a friend or a coach to be an accountability partner, creating a book club to support your reading, or getting an exercise buddy. It can also mean letting someone else at the office know you are trying to exercise a new habit. This way, they will notice and congratulate you when you succeed and find ways to support you when it’s challenging.

Here’s an example following this process. If you follow this approach, you could be in the elite 8% who stick with a New Year’s Resolution.

Why? I will show more appreciation for my staff in 2019 because I want them to know I value their work

What? I will take time at the beginning to show appreciation for the performance of at least one staff member for their performance in the last week.

How? I will reflect on the week’s performance, identify at least one act that is commendable, and include it in my talking points, so that I will remember to mention it.

Where? At the weekly staff meeting.

When? When I prepare the agenda.

Who? I will mention this plan to my colleague so that I can more easily hold myself accountable and she will join me in noticing and celebrating success.

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How's that Resolution Coming?