New Year’s resolutions can be as tough to maintain as they are easy to declare. With a blank year ahead, it can be tempting to say that this will be the year you write that book, and find your dream job, and dunk a basketball without a ladder. The fact is, though, that while 45% of Americans typically make a New Year’s resolution, only 8% stick with it.

So how to keep a New Year's resolution? Knowing what you’re getting yourself into and what options you have can be a big help. With that in mind, we examined some common resolutions, ranked them on how difficult they can be to keep, and laid out some ideas that require light-, medium-, and heavy-investment (whether in terms of money, time, stress, or all three). The result? New Year's resolution tips that help you stick with it.

Get in Better Shape

Difficulty of Execution: High

The difficulty of this can vary depending on your actual goal. Carving a six-pack, for example, will take more dedication than jogging twice a week. The constant here, though, is that it will take time: getting in better shape is all about creating a habit. Here, then, are some routes you can take to stay on track.

• Light: Hit up friends or family to find a workout buddy. Working out with a partner can make it more fun while also holding you accountable to keep after it.

• Medium: Take a fitness class. Lots of gyms offer non-membership access to yoga, interval training, boxing, and even Zumba. Finding something you like can make working out less of a chore.

• Heavy: Sign up for a gym or a personal trainer. Putting money on the line should drive you to make full use of the services you're paying for, turning your resolution into part of your routine.

Make or Save More Money

Difficulty of Execution: High

One of the reasons sticking to this resolution is so difficult is because it's not just filling a piggy bank—it's changing your relationship with money. But as with any resolution, your focus here should be manageable and precise. Whatever degree of impact you go with, incremental progress is key.

• Light: Create a budget and track spending. Even cutting back on a single spending category—for example, eating at restaurants less or making use of deals when you do go (wink wink)—can help in the long run.

• Medium: Take a language course. An MIT economist found that learning a new language can bring about an annual bonus of 3.8% of one’s salary—that’s huge in the context of savings.

• Heavy: Hire a financial consultant. This will likely cost the most, but if your financial situation demands it or you’re serious about buckling down on spending, it can help you achieve your money-related goals quickly.

Travel More

Difficulty of Execution: Moderate

Seeing more of the world doesn’t mean you have to go to the other side of it. Simply getting out and exploring your own city can expose you to new cultures and fun in the way that globe-trekking trips abroad do.

• Light: A cooking class or some international restaurants in your city can expose you to new sights, smells, and flavors without taking up much time or money.

• Medium: Take a weekend getaway to visit a friend in a different city. This is one of the top reasons Americans take leisure trips to begin with, and with a flight it can be done without eating up too many vacation days.

• Heavy: Set aside some time and paychecks for an international tour or longer US road trip. Wherever you go, make sure you plan accordingly: remembering your "passport" is actually a "crayon drawing" isn’t something you want to deal with two weeks before your flight.

Find or Rekindle a Hobby

Difficulty of Execution: Low

Learning something new or going back to an old hobby is easier than you might think. The tricky part is finding that special something—was there an activity you loved when you were a kid, or something you’ve always been curious about? Whatever it is, being willing to find time in your week is necessary for success.

• Light: Create an activity calendar and mark off the days in which you dedicate some time to your hobby. This will serve as motivation to keep going and affirmation that, yes, you have the time to do it.

• Medium: Jump into something totally new with a class. Trying your hand at pottery or even acting can help you find interests you never even knew you had.

• Heavy: Consider putting something you’re already good at to work. Making money with your hobby will make you more likely to keep up with it. So, find a side gig reffing rec-league basketball or pitch your writing work to a freelance publication.