It’s OK to not follow through on your New Year’s resolution.

A survey conducted last year by Forbes Health found that more than half of all New Year’s resolutions — 52.1% — last up to three months before they are abandoned. In many cases, this happens because the goals are unrealistic or too specific.

Although many people may not take their goal all the way through the year, three months is one-fourth of a year, and in most cases, enough time to stop referring to something as “new.” A three-month old bagel probably wouldn’t be described as “new.”

If you vow to stop smoking or follow better eating habits starting Jan. 1, even just one rejected cigarette or one salad instead of French fries is a step toward your goal.

You don’t have to pledge to make a drastic life change on Jan. 1 just because it’s the start of a year. Jan. 1 can be just another day.

Personal change can happen at any time — it doesn’t have to be on Jan. 1. People choosing to make a positive change on Jan. 1 are taking one step toward self-improvement. Change isn’t always consistent, and one step in the right direction is just that, one step.

While some people vow to make a big change, others choose a goal they can work on throughout the year, oftentimes setting a cumulative goal of walking a certain amount of distance or reading a certain number of books. The Forbes Health report said physical and mental health were the top priorities the survey respondents wanted to improve, and setting a cumulative goal is not only a step toward making those improvements, they can be adjustable goals.

For people who want to improve their mental health in the new year, setting a goal for yourself that is most likely unattainable probably won’t help you toward that aim — it probably worsens your mental health.

Maybe make your New Year’s resolution to take it easier on yourself and not give yourself unrealistic expectations. It’s OK to have reasonable expectations. Who knows what 2025 will hold for you?

ET