The new year is viewed as a time to forget the mistakes of 2013 and look toward all the good that has to come in 2014. It’s something each person thinks about on Jan. 1.

According to Statistic Brain, 45 percent of Americans usually make a New Year’s resolution. Just about a month into 2014, I question those of you who made your resolutions. Have you stuck by them? Or are they already forgotten?

On average, only eight percent are usually successful with their New Year’s resolutions. Of the 45 percent of people who make resolutions, only 64 percent make it through the first month. Slowly after that people forget about the resolutions and adapt back into old habits. By the time six months have rolled around, 46 percent of people have stuck with their resolutions.

Resolutions are often related to the new year. However, I do not think that it has to be a new year for someone to want to make a resolution or want to change his or her life. You can make a resolution in October, January or even May.  Any day can be the day to make a resolution, not just the first of the year.

The most popular resolutions are to exercise more, be healthier, improve finances, stay more organized or to improve on or find a relationship.

Over time, we often forget about the resolutions or just become too busy. This year I made my own resolution to be healthier, involving exercising more and eating healthier. Sometimes if I miss that one day of going to the gym, I can find it hard to get myself back in the habit of going the next day.

Resolutions are not a bad thing if you stick to them. When making a resolution you need to dedicate your life to it and change your ways. It does not matter what your resolution is or when you make it. It’s just important to stick with it, until you accomplish it.

Statistics show it takes 21 days to make something a habit. So if your resolution is to live a healthier lifestyle, if you work out and eat right for three weeks straight, it is more likely to become a habit, not a chore.

Gaiam Life gives readers 10 tips on how to help keep your 2014 resolutions. The first thing is to remember to be realistic when making your goal. Don’t set goals or deadlines that are almost impossible to meet. Next is to plan ahead and outline your plan on how to succeed.

Make a list of pros and cons and have others contribute to this list. When you are struggling to keep this resolution look at the list. Remember why you are doing this and what the overall outcome will be. Talk about your resolution constantly; let your friends know about your goal so they can support you through the year.

Keep track of your goals, but make those realistic small goals. You’ll feel more accomplished if after a month you lose five pounds instead of focusing on losing the 20 over four months. Don’t beat yourself up if you slip up. We all make mistakes, take one day at a time. Stick to it. Remember it takes 21 days to make a habit, it doesn’t happen overnight.

The most important tip though is to keep trying. If you run out of steam or forget about it by March, it’s okay. Just recommit yourself to your goal and start over.

There are many solutions into how to succeed when it comes to your resolution. First remember all those tips, they really do help. Next, don’t go at it alone! Tell your friends, family or even complete strangers what you are trying to accomplish. Any kind of support is good support. Finally, make it part of your resolution to the eight percent who accomplish their resolution.