The new year is a perfect time to clear the decks and plan for any changes you want to make in your life in the months ahead. That’s all easier said than done. Sometimes you can get bogged down in knowing where to change, how to change, and then forget to start taking action – or give up when you hit a roadblock.

This month we’ve got four simple tips to help you start the new year on the right foot and keep your feet moving forward on the right path throughout the rest of the year.

Step 1: Set Goals for Different Areas of Your Life

To begin with, it’s a good idea to look at all areas of your life that may need some work. Here are a few areas you may want to consider:

• Fitness
• Financial
• Food choices
• Work
• Relationships
• Spiritual

Step 2: Be Realistic and SMART

As you make your list, it’s natural to get a little excited and wind up with a few sheets of ideas. Now’s the time to be realistic and pick just 1-2 goals to prioritize. This way, you don’t get overwhelmed and quit before you’ve even begun. After selecting your top two goals, it’s time to get SMART about how to reach them. This means:

• Specific – Give yourself real numbers, like “I’ll save $50 more per pay period in my 401(k).
• Measurable – Be sure there is a way to track your progress, like weighing in each morning for a weight-loss goal.
• Attainable – Your goal can be challenging but be sure it’s not impossible.
• Realistic – Be honest with yourself. You know how many goals you can handle and what you can really achieve.
• Time-Bound – Set a deadline, so you have a finish line to cross when you’re done.

Step 3: Write Goals Down

Now that you know where you want to focus your efforts writing your goals down will help seal them in your mind. And, don’t just write them on a scrap of paper like your grocery list. Write them in a place where you can see them every day, so they stay top of mind, and you can review your progress regularly. Depending on your specific goals, you may want to consider posting them in one of these places:

• Tape them to the bathroom mirror
• Keep them on your nightstand
• Tape them to the fridge
• Take a picture of them and use them as the screen saver on your phone or computer
• Keep them in your car
• Stick them on a file cabinet in your office

Step 4: Grab a Goal Buddy

Setting and reaching goals doesn’t have to be done alone. Actually, you’re more likely to keep making progress if you have a buddy to share in the fun and to help push you forward when you’re slowing down. If you don’t have a spouse or friend to share in your goals, try one of these options:

• Sign up for a challenge, like a UHC Rally challenge or a bootcamp
• Try a support program like Real Appeal with built-in group sessions
• If you can’t find a buddy, consider automated tools to help keep you moving, like the Fidelity auto increase tool to grow your 401(k) savings

No matter what goals you set, remember that we all slip up every once in a while. Just take a moment to reflect on why you set the goals in the first place and don’t give up. As long as your good days outnumber your bad, you’re still making progress in the right direction. And if you really stray off the path or get a late start, you don’t have to wait until next year to set new goals. Just pick up where you are and get moving.