New Year’s Resolutions—a prime example of a love-hate relationship; for most people resolutions start by loving the idea and eventually hating the journey. As the month of January closes, you have probably either already quit your resolution (I know I did … so much for no Netflix, whoops) or still plowing away, congrats to the few of you.

As sad as it is to say, as the year sweeps by more and more people will drop their resolutions and give up because they believe it’s too late. Well, I have news for you: it’s not too late.

I have always found it funny how symbolic the New Year has become for people considering making a change. Nothing changes in the New Year besides the earth rotating the sun, and why do we let that dictate when we make a change? Excuses. The fact that we change to a new calendar year does not mean we can just procrastinate on making a change and then dump all of our problems into the last year. I know; I wish it worked that way too.

There’s an old Polish proverb that says “Old habits die hard.” Habits you have been forming for years are hard to break, but not impossible. If you have something you’ve been wanting to change, do it and don’t wait—start today, make a plan, and just do it.

How to be successful at making/breaking a habit

1. Start now, not tomorrow—set aside your insecurities; there’s no better time than now to rekindle or start a resolution.
2. Start small—a year is intimidating, so break it into chunks. Start with a month or even a week and build up from there.
3. Seek accountability—let people know what you are doing and find someone to check up on you so you don’t crash and burn.
4. Pray—I know this seems like a basic Christian cliché, but it honestly works. God wants the best for your life, and he desires nothing more than to help you overcome and form healthy habits.
5. Fight through the pain—breaking a habit can suck at times, and a lot of people quit trying because they don’t like to be uncomfortable or they messed up. To be honest, sometimes you will even get worse before you start to succeed. I made a goal a few months ago to start drinking more water because my skin was starting to break out, but my skin broke out more because my body was flushing out all of the toxins. It’s the same way with any other bad habit: Sometimes breaking a habit involves bringing back some memories or feelings that have been pushed away for a while. This is why you need to have an accountability partner or at least someone you trust that can encourage you on your path to freedom.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10, NIV