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The key to taking on 2018 is finishing off 2017 stronger than ever!

Breaking New Year’s resolutions is so common nowadays it’s comical. With memes and faux-inspirational quotes about giving up on our goals before the end of the month circulating the internet, it’s important to remember why we set New Year’s resolutions and how they benefit us.

Mel Robbins, CNN commentator, co-founder of Inspire52, and motivational speaker, has created a system to empower you through the annual negativity surrounding New Year’s goals. Follow along as we explore her process, with your own free copy of her 2018 Best Year Ever packet.

Look to the Past to Create the Future

Robbins believes something most people are missing when forming their goals is reflectivity. In order to properly move forward, you must be able to look at your previous year with honest and open eyes. In her packet, she coaches you through a review of 2017 and encourages you to assess your past relationships with goal setting, while shedding preconceived notions of imminent failure.

With insights into your past year, it becomes easier to build off previous accomplishments you are proud of. Forbes writer, Shelcy V. Johnson, believes that by carrying the good momentum from 2017 into the new year you are more apt to stick to a familiar goal.

From there, Robbins helps you explore four areas of personal growth—health, love, fun, and work. Through her thought-provoking questions, you’ll have a private space to truly examine 2017’s ups and downs with no judgment, but your own.

Be True to You in 2018

Once you have honestly reviewed the exiting year, it’s time to step into 2018. With an understanding of your recent past, you are more likely to set attainable goals based on your personal wants and needs.

Removing outside influence from these goals is crucial to making a lasting impact. When you are pushing yourself to be better for anyone but yourself, you will never feel complete or satisfied with your results. That is if you even see any results—because external motivation will oftentimes turn into resentment and unfulfilled goals.

Take Action Now

Finally, Robbins provides a guide for you to map out actionable steps to help you reach each goal.

Motivational speaker and former NFL quarterback, Tom Flick, believes that every goal needs to be accompanied by a plan-of-action before it makes the transformation from dream to goal. In his interview about structuring goals to promote longevity, he says the key is measurable moves. When you are able to watch yourself make true progress, no matter how big or small, you will believe in yourself and hold onto those goals.

With Robbins’ packet, you will have the foundation needed to set goals that matter—and hang on to them by following her motivational steps. Her inspiring guide to a new year will have you blocking out the constant stream of goal-abandoning jokesters as you thrive and continue turning dreams into goals.

Jessica Welch is the Content Marketing Associate at BigSpeak Speakers Bureau, holding a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature and Anthropology from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Her business thought articles often appear on Business 2 Community, Born 2 Invest, and YF Entrepreneurs.