January is the month during which you’ll either stick to your New Years Resolutions or you’ll slide back into your old habits. Hopefully they’ll stick, but the reality is that for more people, they won’t.

To help you habits stick and reach your goals, connect your resolution to your why.

Your why is the reason why you choose that resolution or new habit. Use your emotional triggers to push you forward and your habits will be that much more likely to stick.

Grab a piece of paper and ask yourself why you chose your resolution. For example, maybe you want to get to the gym 4 days per week. Great! But why? Finding that why is how you’ll make this new habit stick. Is there an event coming up that you want to look your best for? Do you want to stay healthy for your kids? Does a workout help you remain calm and focused during all of your meetings? Whatever the deeper reason is, find it, write it down, and look back on this sheet of paper to help you stick to it.

If instead you just pick a goal, say you’re doing it because it’s healthy, you may find your resolve slipping more quickly. Yes, going to the gym more often IS healthy, but we all know that.

Another way to find your why: think about what your biggest struggle was last year. Maybe you felt sluggish, crabby, or uninspired. Pick a habit that’s going to change that. Maybe you’re going to read one new book each month to inspire you. Maybe you’re going to start each day by writing down three things you’re grateful for. In the end, it doesn’t matter what your habit is. What matters is that you stick with you and make it a part of your normal routine.

Remember that at first it might feel like work. It’s something new to add to your plate, and you’ll have to make adjustments to fit it in. If you can make it through this uncomfortable stage, you’ll move into the phase where you see results. So find your way, set goals based on that, and set yourself up for success in 2017.

Need an extra boost of accountability? Share your habits in the comments below! I am here to support you and telling me your habit will not only put it out there for others to check in on, but it will help me create content that serves you better in 2017.

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