If you are like most Americans, you probably made at least one New Years’ resolution that includes some type of exercise plan.

As many as 80 percent of Americans make resolutions at the beginning of each new year including eating healthier, exercising more and losing weight.

Most resolutions are well-intended — but most people fail at keeping them. At this time of year it is easy to get caught up in the hype and to do what everyone else is doing. Are you really taking your resolution seriously? What is the secret to successful resolutions?

There is really no magic pill or wand that we can wave to make all our resolutions come true, but there are some steps to take to make it easier to fulfill your promise to yourself.

Here are some examples of how to be more successful in your endeavors into the new year.

• Choose a realistic goal. Set a goal that you can obtain and that is manageable for you, not everyone else. If your goal is to lose weight then make it a goal to only lose 1 pound a week and take it slow.

• Avoid the same resolution you have been unsuccessful with year after year. Doing the same thing every year and not being successful at it will cause frustration and disappointment. Try a different workout plan or promise to do one thing consistently. For example, try to increase your weekly exercise and be consistent at it.

• Have a game plan. All successful businesses start with a business plan that describes their mission. Don’t do anything on the spur of the moment.

• Break it down and follow baby steps. For example, if your goal is to complete a 10k race, start smaller; instead try running a 5k race in less than 30 minutes. Maybe add upper and lower body strength training exercises two times a week instead of three. You have to learn how to crawl before you can walk.

• Find a buddy or family member to help you so you have someone to be accountable to. In other words, try working out with someone who has the same goals as you and is positive in accomplishing their goal. To me, working out with a good partner may be the most important way to succeed in accomplishing your resolution.

• Reward yourself with each goal accomplished. When you succeed at each milestone, reward yourself with something like a professional massage.

• Get professional assistance. Sometimes you may not have a friend that you can count on, so hiring a trained professional is a great way to go. Research studies have shown that hiring a trained fitness professional greatly improves people’s success rate.

• Don’t promise yourself too much. Do not try too many things at one time to make multiple changes in your life. Remember, keep it simple and consistent!

Only about 20 percent of people keep their New Year’s resolutions, but hopefully these tips will help you succeed.

Michael Vann is the owner of Greenville’s Tone Fitness at 1848 West Arlington Blvd. (www.intonefitnesstraining.com, 752-0462).