Every January, millions of people celebrate the New Year with a resolution.

Whether it’s to lose weight, buy a house or start a new career, there’s something motivating about beginning the year with a goal.In January 2020, Illinois nurse and cancer survivor Chrissie Lapke set a New Year’s resolution that would change everything — to become the healthiest version of herself.A seven-year cancer survivor, Chrissie knew she had the drive to succeed. “Life was almost taken away from me so I decided to start my Nutrisystem journey so that I could begin to love myself again.”Now, nearly a year later and 34 pounds lighter, Chrissie offers these important tips for anyone striving to lose weight and get healthier in 2021.

Say your resolution out loud and write it down

Study after study shows us that vividly describing your goals out loud or in writing is strongly associated with goal achievement – those who very vividly describe or picture their goals are more likely to successfully accomplish them.Externalizing your hopes and plans is a big step toward achieving them. When you hear your goals in your own voice or see them written in your own handwriting, they feel more real and more attainable.”Saying my goal of losing weight and getting healthy out loud and writing it down on paper made feel as though I was holding myself accountable,” says Chrissie.

Make a plan that you can realistically follow

Setting realistic goals begins with a plan that you feel confident you can follow. If you’re a mom of two young kids, a weight loss plan that involves cooking every meal, 7 days a week, is probably unrealistic. Also, it’s important to look for a plan with a more personalized approach to fit your needs as that can help fuel your success.”Studies have shown that a personalized approach to nutrition leads to better and more sustained adherence,” says Courtney McCormick, MPH, RDN, LDN, manager, clinical research and nutrition, Nutrisystem. “And in a recent clinical study testing the personalized Nutrisystem program, users sustained steady weight loss results while enjoying the foods they love. Unlike other diets that require fasting, with the All-New Nutrisystem, you’ll eat more food than on our prior programs and still lose weight.”

Update your goals and expectations based on your unique circumstances

In any weight loss journey, there will be milestones, plateaus and setbacks. It’s important to check in on your progress and make adjustments to fit your body and lifestyle. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself. Chrissie has learned through trial and error that she is her best self when she is healthy, both mentally and physically. “I love myself again and I have confidence and self-esteem!” she says. “It is so nice to hear the compliments from others, but it means so much more to look in the mirror and be happy with my body image and to just love myself again.”Remember, the key to achieving your resolutions is to focus. By visualizing and speaking your goals aloud, finding a plan that works for you and adjusting as you progress, you will be on your way to success this year.