With the new year just days away, many people are starting to think about what kinds of changes — big and small — they’d like to make in their lives.

Some people don’t participate in New Year’s resolutions, but many feel the pressure to start off the new year in a healthy way. On average, resolutions don’t last long: the second Friday in January, often referred to as “Quitter’s Day,” is a common point at which droves of people throw in the towel and revert back to their old ways.

But there are some tips and tricks to setting achievable goals.

Northeastern University psychology professor Aaron Daniels says that when it comes to setting goals and kicking bad habits, it’s better to start slow.

Read more from Northeastern Global News.

Photo by Alyssa Stone/Northeastern University