How many times have you made a New Year’s resolution, only to give up by March? Here are four tips, gleaned from a PR pro’s experience in the field, that will help you stick to your goals.

Put pen to paper.

When setting out to create a PR and marketing plan, I often jot down any and all ideas that come to mind no matter how outrageous. Use the same strategy when writing down your resolutions and don’t hold back. Then narrow down your list to the things that are most important to you and genuinely interest you.

Make it measurable.

Now that you have a list of what you would like to do, it’s time to find a way to accomplish those goals. Before launching a major PR campaign, I determine measurable objectives to track progress and evaluate success. The same function applies to your New Year’s resolutions: Setting measurable goals will help you create realistic resolutions that you can maintain. That means you need to include specific numbers and dates. For example, if weight loss is your goal, you might determine to lose 20 pounds by May 1, or create a workout schedule of attending a Jazzercise class at least twice a week.

Share your story.

Talk about your goals and progress with friends, family or others who are as determined as you to keep their New Year’s resolutions. As many businesses have found, using social media is a great way to share your story. You can write a weekly blog, create a YouTube channel, use Flickr, tweet daily, update your Facebook page or simply talk to anyone who will listen. By doing this, you will create accountability—and a support group that will follow your progress and motivate you throughout the year.

Give it time.

You won’t see the results of a PR marketing plan immediately. It takes time. Likewise, you shouldn’t expect to accomplish your New Year’s resolutions right away, especially if you’re implementing major lifestyle changes. Continue to track your progress every month or every quarter and change what isn’t working. Don’t let obstacles deter you. You’re in it for the long haul, so stick to your plan and follow through to the end.

A version of this post was originally published by Tajiana Ancora-Brown on December 30, 2010.