(NC) Did you make a New Year’s resolution to, say, eat better, stay off social media or quit smoking cigarettes? Setting a goal for your wellness can be motivating or fill you with optimism. However, sooner or later, many of us feel that sense of hopeful possibility begin to droop. If your goal isn’t quite where you want it or you feel like you might slip up, here are some tips to get back on target.

Retake control
If you notice you’ve dropped the ball on your goal, take action on what you can control in the moment. For example, if you’re trying to quit smoking and you bought a pack of cigarettes – toss it out now. Get rid of lighters and ashtrays too. Don’t make things harder by testing yourself. If you had a cigarette or you’re craving one, change the feeling in your mouth. You could chew gum, drink water or brush your teeth to delay the next one.

Step back
Be kind to yourself when you face a setback in your goal. Know that slip-ups are normal. In fact, to quit smoking, Health Canada says most people try several times. Encourage yourself not to give up by thinking about how far you’ve come, not how far you have to go. That progress – even if it’s just setting the goal – still counts for something. And remember, how quickly or easily you reach a goal doesn’t make you a better or worse person.

Reset and relaunch
To get back on track, think about what things you will do the same way and what you will do differently to help you reach your goal going forward. For the example of quitting smoking, maybe you add more social support from friends, family or a quit coach. There are free, trained coaches in every province and territory available by phone, online or by text who can help you stay smoke-free.

Find more information about trained quit coaches, tips on how to quit smoking and what to do if you relapse at canada.ca/quit-smoking.