Affirmations remind us that actions follow intentions. When you set your intention to achieve a resolution, you choose actions that will help you to reach your goal. When your intentions are clear, you are better able to recognize self-defeating actions and behaviors that are not in alignment with your resolutions. Affirmations are like guideposts, keeping you on the path to achieving your intended resolutions.

It’s easy to make New Year’s resolutions, but studies show that it’s hard to keep them past the second week of January. How can you keep your enthusiasm going all year long to fuel change?

Reinforce your resolution with an affirmation, which creates a powerful reason for making the change and increases the likelihood of sticking with your goal over time. New Year’s resolutions are simply statements of intention. If you integrate those intentions into a spiritual affirmation practice, you give deeper meaning to the change you desire, making it easier to achieve.

Affirmations are empowering statements that turn your emotional compass from down to up. When you affirm your power, you choose to create and live that positive reality. Affirmations counteract negative self-talk, reminding you of your ability to heal defeating self images.

Affirmations can be used to set your intentions at the beginning of your day as well as throughout the day in a moment-to-moment practice of reorienting your focus on your inner strength. Start your day by affirming the power and strength you hold within by saying affirmations such as I am powerful, filled with the light of truth. During the day, you may lose momentum and need to affirm your power again by using the same affirmation.

Create affirmations that move and inspire you. Keep them simple and uplifting, focusing on powerful states of being. For example, if you desire wealth, create a broad affirmation such as I am filled with abundance in all ways. Affirmations open you to new possibilities, and keeping them broad allows you to recognize the wealth and abundance in all experiences you encounter during the day. Whether you find a dollar on the ground, laugh richly at the joke of a coworker, or delight in a special dessert—abundance will fill you in all ways.

I will guide you to affirming your power in Joy.

Use these five affirmation tips to stay on track with your resolutions:

1. Make it personal. Find the deeper meaning in your resolutions. If your goal is to lose weight, add a spiritual intention to let go of limiting ideas about your body image. Say affirmations such as I am free to be myself throughout the day as a reminder of your resolution.

2. Keep it simple. Set attainable results for your resolutions. If you want to spend more quality time with your family, create a simple spiritual practice of hugging at the start the day. Use family time as a spiritual opportunity to be more present and focused on your relationship, rather than worrying about undone tasks. Stay in the now moment by affirming I am right where I need to be.

3. Put some muscle behind it. More than 50 percent of Americans resolve to exercise more each year, according to a 2001 poll by General Nutrition Centers. Add a spiritual dimension to exercise by saying affirmations such as I am strong and powerful during your workout to inspire commitment to your fitness regime.

4. Tell a friend. Let others know about your goals so that they can cheer you on. Stating your intention out loud creates an expected outcome. Accept encouragement and kudos from friends, using these good feelings to create affirmations such as I applaud my achievements.

5. Celebrate success. Recognize your triumphs by affirming your ability to achieve success. Acknowledge both small and big steps forward by affirming I achieve my goals in every moment.

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