Whether you resolved to play more guitar in 2014, to make new friends, to eat healthier, or anything else, you can dramatically improve your chances of success with these simple steps:

• Set achievable and concrete goals.? For example, resolving to eat at least three servings of fruits or vegetables a day is a more helpful goal than revolving to lose 40 pounds by?May 1st.? Setting the specific goal of practicing guitar three times a week is better than the setting the vague goal of “being a really good guitar player” by the end of the year.

• Enlist the support of other people.???Don’t be shy–you are much more likely to keep a resolution if you tell other people about it.? If you can get one or more other people actively involved, that’s even better.? Psychologist John Grohol says, “Whether it’s in the form of a professional, a family member, a friend or some type of formal support group, consider enlisting someone’s help.”? Regular practice sessions with a friend, enrolling in a class, or even just telling your roommate that you plan to practice guitar every weekend will all help you be more successful.

• Expect setbacks.??Psychologists say that people who fail at resolutions tend to criticize or blame themselves for slip-ups, but successful resolution-keepers expect occasional setbacks and quickly get back on track.? If you set a goal of playing guitar daily and you miss a few days, you still have hundreds and thousand of days left during which you?can?play guitar.?

You can read more at the?Wall Street Journal?and?Psych Central.? And of course, if you’re looking for some social and moral support, we’d love to see you here at New York City Guitar School–you can see a complete list of upcoming classes on?our website.??Good luck and have fun in 2014!

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