If you’re like us, you’ve already made your healthy New Year’s resolutions and have started work toward your goals. Just a week into 2010, we hope you’re doing great!

Some studies show that up to 65 percent of us will keep our resolutions for at least part of the year. But if you need an extra boost of motivation along the way, keep these eight tips in mind:

1. Start small. If your goal for the year is to lose weight, take small steps along the way. Instead of aiming to lose 30 pounds — a number that might seem intimidating — mark your success in five-pound mini-goals. Those small victories will add up quickly!
2. Drink up. Sometimes, a big drink of water is all you really need when you think your body may be hungry. If losing a few pounds is your goal, hit the water instead of the pantry. If you’re still hungry after that, eat a healthy snack and know that you’re staying well hydrated too. Staying hydrated is good for general health no matter your resolutions!
3. Keep a journal. Whatever your resolution for the new year, keep a small journal with you to keep track. What should you write in your journal? Anything at all. Take note of times you exercise, how your emotions come into play, small victories and challenges you face. Look back to learn about habits you maybe didn’t even know you had; look for patterns so you can correct those that aren’t helping you reach your goals.
4. Tell a friend. No matter if your goal is to lose weight, stop smoking or tidy up your finances, enlisting a friend’s support can be very helpful. A friend can be both a good cheerleader when you’re doing well and a supportive ear when you need to rant about the challenges you’re facing along the journey.
5. Forgive yourself. As with any journey, there are likely to be challenges along the way. Whether they come in the form of a cupcake, a skipped workout or an extra glass of wine when you’re trying to quit drinking, there will be obstacles. Don’t consider yourself a failure; forgive yourself of your splurge and start fresh — not tomorrow, but right at that very moment.
6. Reward yourself. When you lose those first 10 pounds, go two months without smoking or get four trips to the gym in each week for a month, reward yourself! Get a massage. Buy a new pair of jeans. Download a new CD to your iPod. Go see a movie.
7. Enroll your family. No matter what your goals are, don’t forget to get your family onboard! If your resolutions include eating healthier, you don’t want to cook one meal for yourself and something totally different for them! Take a family trip to the farmer’s market and encourage everyone to pick out a fruit or vegetable they’ve never tried before but would like to. Making small changes as a family will help ensure your success by having a like-minded group around you.
8. Set realistic goals. If you’re 5’9″ tall and have a medium, you may never weigh 120 pounds. And you probably shouldn’t. Whatever your goals, make sure they’re realistic and achievable. Doing so will help ensure your success.

Tell us: What other tips do you have for keeping your resolutions!

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