It’s the same thing every Jan. 1. Frustrated by bad habits like smoking, overeating or not exercising, many of us vow to change by making New Year’s resolutions.

“This year, I’m dieting, or exercising regularly or quitting smoking for good,” we pledge. By March, the treadmill you bought is gathering dust in the closet, the diet books are sitting on the shelf unread and the cigarettes still are in your back pocket. Defeated, many of us give up further attempts to change.

According to the Texas Medical Association, what we often forget is that successful New Year’s resolutions require time, effort, focus and commitment. Breaking old habits and making new ones will not occur overnight.

It is important to focus on one resolution at a time. Resolutions should contain clear and specific purposes and should be made with the intent of keeping them. The goals must be realistic and within a person’s control.

The top 10 most common resolutions are to: 1) Lose weight, 2) Save or earn more money, 3) Stop smoking, 4) Spend more time with family, 5) Stick to a budget, 6) Find a better job, 7) Eat better, 8) Become more organized, 9) Exercise more, and 10) Become a better person.

Students at the University of Denver resolved similar changes for the New Year.

“One of my resolutions is to get a job and earn money so I can be more responsible,” said freshman Leisl Wells, a psychology major.

Another student, sophomore Stephanie Huberman, wants to become a better person.

“My New Year’s resolution is to volunteer more and get involved in charitable organizations,” she said.

However, resolutions do not have to be about keeping a budget or improving self-confidence. They can be about school.

“My resolution is to make nothing below a B,” said freshman Emily Hawrysio, a chemistry major. “So far I’m three weeks ahead of my reading. I guess we’ll see if I can keep it like this.”

Often times, people set higher goals than their past year’s failed resolution, resulting in bigger disappointments for the next New Year’s. However, by following certain tips, these same people can not only reach their goals, but keep them.

Writing down resolutions helps people achieve their goals for the new year. When writing down a resolution, people should write what they precisely want, how they expect to earn it, when they want to achieve it and how it will benefit them. Individuals should write a small list of attainable resolutions because the more resolutions people make, the less they will keep.

“This year I wrote down all my goals for my budget,” said freshman Hunter Young, a biology major. “This way I know exactly where my money is going. I can have it all planned out and it becomes much easier to keep my resolution.”

Some people have been successful enough to already have accomplished their resolutions.

Individuals should also be held accountable for their resolutions. Having a friend, family member or support group helps individuals become accountable to themselves and their support group. Many people lack support systems because if they fail at their resolution, no one will know they are a failure. Being accountable also means people are responsible for their successes and failures.

“My friend Neila and I set a goal to go to the gym three times a week,” said freshman Leila Seymour, a business major.

“This way whenever I’m in a lazy mood I can count on her to get me off my ass and to the gym. It’s definitely easier having someone to keep you on target.”