Set realistic goals and acknowledge likely difficulties in overcoming long held habits. Write down your resolutions and tape them in a highly visible place to remind you of your contract with yourself. Some have even suggested that you devise a formal written contract specifying what is the obligation you undertake, what reward you will give to yourself after fulfilling it for ten or less weeks, how you plan to carry out your obligations, who may help you in your endeavor how specifically you may prevent being overcome by expected obstacles, and what will be the penalties should you default. Share your New Year resolution contract with as many friends, co-employees or close acquaintances, as possible. This usually is helpful in firming up your commitment.
Nothing succeeds and motivates like success.
A successfully carried out resolution provides its own incentive for continuing it indefinitely .