According to the University of Scranton and Journal of Clinical Psychology, the number one resolution of 2014 is to lose weight, followed by getting organized and spending less money/saving money.

However, out of the billions of people who make a New Year's resolution, only roughly eight percent of those resolutions are successful.

When a new year creeps up, making resolutions is inevitable. It's easy at the beginning to become motivated around the new changes you wish to make. However, it's also easy to become overwhelmed with all these changes; whether you're working on your physical, mental or emotional self (or all three). This can lead to you breaking your resolutions, and leave you feeling guilty and disappointed.

Will there ever be a time where you can make a resolution that actually sticks?

Whether it's the beginning of the year, or any other time of the year, it's important to understand the real reason you want to make changes. Really think about why you want to "do better." Is it an emotional reason, or is it a change that was forced upon you? When you're thinking of making resolutions, always remember the SMART approach.

• Specific
• Measurable
• Achievable
• Relevant
• Time-bound

Best selling author, Mary Jane Ryan, shares why most resolutions fail and how you can make positive changes that permanently stick.