January is the time for making New Year’s resolutions, but some people struggle to be successful with them.

Every January many people make New Year’s resolutions to improve their lives or stop bad habits. Some people resolve to lose weight, quit smoking or spend more time with families. Jeanne Hansen, a mental health counselor at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, explains why some resolutions are not likely to be successful.

[audio:siureso1.mp3]Hansen on Resolutions[/audio]

To be successful with resolutions, it’s important to develop a plan for achieving the goals and to stay motivated. Hansen suggests setting specific goals that are realistic, achievable and measurable.

[audio:siureso2.mp3]Hansen on Goals[/audio]

Hansen says sharing the goal helps to make the person more accountable for achieving the goal. She also encourages people to make the kinds of resolutions that are meaningful to them, which will make them more successful. Anyone who has difficulty in achieving their health improvement goals may want to consult their primary care physician or a mental health counselor for help.