Monthly Tips to Keep Your New Years Resolutions ALL YEAR

by NoGamesLove Dating Coach and Lifestyle Expert Laurel House

Every year millions of Americans make New Year's Resolutions to... (fill in resolution here). Problem is, by mid-January those self-made promises are forgotten as we fall into old patterns, figuring we'd try again next year. What are some of the top resolutions (and the same top resolutions that are apparently destined for failure)?:
Get Fit
Be Happier
Quit Smoking
Drink Less Alcohol
Stress Less
Increase Energy
Find a Happy and Healthy Relationship

Well guess what? This year, you're not failing. This year you're sticking to your resolutions! So why is this year going to be different? Because you are going to go about it differently: with a plan. Here is your MONTH-TO-MONTH plan to make this year your best!

JANUARY
Make an "intention" board to stay motivated.

"Intentions" (rather than "resolutions") allow you a little leniency while still holding a basic structure that helps to keep you on track to achieve your goals. Create an intention board of images and words cut from magazines that illustrate the energy behind your goals/intentions/resolutions for the year. For the tech savvy out there, go ahead and make it on Pinterest!

Join me, plus several other lifestyle bloggers and Balance Bar to get help with all of your RESOLUTIONS- LIVE during a Twitter Party this Thursday. We will be giving lots of motivational advice, healthy tips and chances to win prizes! Thursday, January 9, 2014 at 2pm-3pm EST. Use hashtag #NewYearBalance.

FEBRUARY
Don't let old habits derail you.

It's time to start paying attention to your old habits and the little things that derail your progress on eating healthy in 2014. If you're having a bad day and you usually turn to sweets to make yourself feel better, take a step back and realize how you're handling the situation. Instead of doing something counter-productive to your goals like overeating, do something good for you like going on a brisk 20 minute walk or calling a friend to catch up.

MARCH
Exercise to minimize your stress level.

When you exercise, your blood starts pumping faster through your veins, you take deeper, more cleansing and detoxifying breaths, and your brain releases endorphins- your body's natural "feel good" chemicals. Not only are you achieving a goal by exercising, but you're also making yourself feel better!

APRIL
Spring clean your life.

Take a look at your life and see what needs cleaning! In a bad relationship or friendship? Be honest to yourself and the other person, and end the relationship. Feeling tired and drained? Look at the activities in your days and revitalize them - drink more water, change up your breakfast commit to healthy afternoon snacks like a Balance Bar® and get outside a for a few minutes each day. Don't just clean your house or office this spring, but clean up your life too.

MAY
Surround yourself with motivating people.

Nothing is more of a "downer" than wanting and trying to better yourself but seeking encouragement, motivation or advice from people who say "you can't." Find the "You CANs" and do what they do!

JUNE
Better your life by making some changes.

Make a list of everything that makes you uncomfortable or annoyed like spending too much time on shopping, going out too much, not exercising, etc. Decide on a short, daily action that you can take that is exactly the opposite. You'll make yourself feel better and make life less stressful.

JULY
Find your passion and start living it.

Ask anyone who seems to be happy at work and they will say "I LOVE what I do!" They are passionate, enthusiastic and they have energy from living their dreams. Don't wake up 10 years from now wondering what happened to your life … start living TODAY! Try a new hobby, sign up for a new class at the gym or take a cooking class.

AUGUST
Take care of your BODY.

It's the only one you've got. Move your body in a way that helps it feel good. Anything you can do to get your heart rate up releases chemicals that just plain make you feel better. And don't forget to feed your body the right fuel (like with a Balance Bar®!) Otherwise, no matter how much exercise you do, you will always feel drained.

SEPTEMBER
Build your self-esteem every day.

Self-esteem is essential when it comes to your self-image, how you're perceived and ultimately how you treat yourself. If you're down in the dumps about yourself, do something to make you feel happy, healthy and beautiful! Identify one thing to do each day like exercise, volunteer, open the door for someone, donate money, etc. and you'll feel much better!

OCTOBER
MAKE time, don't find time.

We all have busy schedules these days so it's hard to find time to do what we want. Rather than wait for the perfect moment to exercise or for a relaxing quiet moment, make the moment! Wake up an hour early to hit the gym or go into the office early to get your work done so you can enjoy an extra 20 minutes outside at lunch.

NOVEMBER
Get a full 8 hours
As a culture, Americans shortchange ourselves on sleep. But not getting enough sleep doesn't just leave you tired, it takes a toll on your skin, your stress levels and overall well-being. Shut the computer down and commit to getting at least 8 solid hours a night. Then start your day with a balanced meal like Balance Bar® and a cup of Greek yogurt with fruit.

DECEMBER
Create a fitness bank.

Every time you don't want to workout, but do anyway, give yourself $1. Once it adds up, treat yourself to something nice like a new coat or even a nice dinner out with friends. Your hard work and motivation will benefit you in the long run in more ways than one!

xx Laurel

Laurel House is an international Dating Coach and Lifestyle Expert,MTV's MADE "It Girl"Mentor, 4x published Lifestyle Author, and a go-to Expert on E! News. She recently sold her 5th book "Screwing The Rules: The No-Games Guide to Love," which will be released in December 2014 with Running Press.

With over 12 million views on YouTube, Laurel has created a platform to deliver dating and healthy lifestyle tips to the masses. Laurel is a featured expert in Marni Battista's "Find Love Now" coaching program. Her dating tips appear on CupidsPulse.com, YourTango.com, SheKnows, and Giuliana Rancic's FabFitFun.com. Because of her edgy, honest, and wide-ranging advice, she is often referred to as the modern-day Ann Landers.