This year, rather than resolving to make some monumental change that I knew deep down I wouldn’t keep, I resolved to do something that would benefit myself and others: send mail. I love receiving a card in the mail from a friend or family member for no reason at all. Personal mail is better than seeing a bill, reminds you how special you are to others, and in my case, encourages me to send a card to someone else.

We’re 9 days into the New Year and guess how many cards I have sent? One. It’s a slow start but it’s a start.

Did you resolve to improve your life somehow for 2013? Here are 5 simple steps to stick to your resolution… for real this year:

Share it: Whether you tell your partner, a family member, your best friend, or a co-worker, let someone in on your resolution and let them know you may need motivation and reminders to keep you on track.

Be Real: If you make a resolution that is too far out of reach (like cutting out sugar for an entire year when you have a weakness for sweets), the odds of sticking to it are slim. Start with baby steps and work your way towards a greater goal.

Write it Out: The act of writing down your resolution and posting it where you can see it daily (on your bathroom mirror or on your computer’s monitor at work) is a great way to keep your mind on your goal.

Be Good to Yourself: An important part of setting realistic goals is that you will build confidence as you achieve them. When we set out to move mountains on the first day, the odds of being disappointed in ourselves are great. Missed a workout? Ate extra dessert? Didn’t make that phone call? That’s ok. Brush off any guilt and remind yourself that no one is perfect and you can always “start over” right now.

Keep Going: It’s that simple. Whatever the goal, whatever results you are looking to achieve—just keep going.

Want more tips on how to keep your resolution? Check out these posts.