According to statistics published by the University of Scranton，about 45percent of Americans usually make New Year's resolutions--and the most popular resolution is losing weight．Of those who make resolutions，a mere 8percent achieve them．（36）

___ Are we just setting ourselves up for failure？Learn how to make realistic resolutions and how to overcome the roadblocks along the way．

Setting a resolution to lose pounds isn't a goal that's achievable now．It may be a good long-term goal．（37）___ Registered dietitian Elisa Zied says"To be real when you make a resolution．It's okay to shoot for the stars like making a resolution，but why not set a smaller goal and train smart？"

The same concept applies to weight loss．（38）___ These goals should help develop healthy habits that will finally help achieve your long-term resolution．

Notice that these goals are simple and achievable．"Instead of going from zero to 60，from never going to the gym to going four to five times a week，why not start with three days a week，get consistent and build from there，"Zied says．Set yourself up for success and map out your course by making appointments with yourself to be active．（39）___

You also need to be aware of your current exercise and eating habits to make achievable goals．Keeping a diary of your food and exercise habits can help．Record everything you eat and drink for three to five days and review it．（40）___ For example，if you notice a tendency to snack on unhealthy fare，set a goal to eat a fruit or vegetable with each snack．Building on these smaller goals over time can help you achieve your long-term goal．

A．So why do so many of us fail to achieve our goals？

B．Once you notice your not-so-good habits，start fixing them．

C．Set one to three weekly goals that you want to achieve．

D．Resolutions usually involve a commitment to sticking to your goals．

E．However，in order to reach it，you nee