Every new year we make resolutions in order to improve the quality of our lives and many of us are setting ourselves up for disappointment with unrealistic goals.

When setting goals the first thing to remember is that the reasoning behind the changes are that they are to improve your life. So, by setting unrealistic goals that you cannot fulfill will ultimately be doing the opposite of what you were aiming for. The disappointment you experience when failing to achieve your lofty goals will only serve to hurt you in the long run.

There are a few goals that are commonly set as new years resolutions. Getting healthy is one of those difficult resolutions that many fall victim to. If it is a resolution you feel you must try then in order to achieve it start with small steps like eating healthier. Instead of putting yourself on a difficult diet start by eating a healthy meal once a week. Increase the number of healthy meals at a rate you're comfortable with until eating right becomes habitual. Remember that junk food or indulgences are meant to be treats and should only be enjoyed sparingly.

Getting fit is another difficult goal. Start by walking for half an hour every other day and increase the days until you're doing it seven days a week. Once you achieve that then every other day walk for an hour instead of only half. Finally, increase it to walking an hour a day seven days a week.

You can even combine some new years resolutions. For instance, while exercising you can listen to an audio book or actually read one if you walk in a safe place. It is just important to exercise the mind as it is your body. Reading a book is a realistic goal that is both beneficial to you and enjoyable. Finishing a book is a great feeling and if it is a book you enjoyed you're likely going to continue to read throughout the year.

Quitting smoking or drinking can be two of the most difficult tasks. If you can manage instead of quitting focus on decreasing the frequency in which you engage in the habit. For instance if you smoke two cigarettes a day smoke one instead. Slowly cut down on the smoking until you only do so to treat yourself and not habitually.

Do the same for drinking. If you drink during the week try and slowly decrease the days you do so until you only drink on the weekend. Find hobbies that you can enjoy without drinking to do during the week to occupy yourself.

Another difficult task is saving money. However, saving doesn't have to be hard. Start by opening a savings account at your bank and every time you deposit a paycheck put between five and 25 dollars into the savings account. Never use the savings account unless it is an emergency. The savings will build over time especially if you can manage to slowly increase the amount you deposit each paycheck. Businesses who offer direct deposit can sometimes even deposit the amount for you into your savings account every check.

Being social about your resolutions can also help you to achieve them. If your friends and family are aware of your goals they can help support you through the more difficult tasks or even participate in them as well.

Whatever you decide to do remember that the point of a resolution is self improvement. You will feel more confident the more you succeed in accomplishing your goals. That is why setting small goals to accomplish gradually will help you to improve your quality of life.