(NewsUSA) - Setting healthy goals is a great way to promote your own well-being by lowering your risk of conditions like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity and more. But that's sometimes easier said than done.

After all, have you ever caught yourself saying, "I'm going to get in shape this year by exercising more and eating healthier"? As it turns out, the Huffington Post reports that about 100 million Americans make resolutions every year, but only 45 percent follow through with them.

Setting health goals isn't simply about buying into a new health fad. You have to take the proper steps to ensure that you follow through.

Here are some steps to help make your objectives doable:

Step 1. Make several small goals rather than one lofty goal.

Big goals can motivate some, but they're also overwhelming. If a certain goal seems unattainable, find ways to scale it down to make it more manageable. Try setting monthly goals that work toward the big picture -- whether for weight loss, an ideal size, exercise routines or healthier home-cooking.

Step 2. Buddy up.

Setting goals with a friend makes it easier to stick to them. If you're both relying on each other, you'll be less likely to back out or quit altogether. Partner up with a friend or family member with the same goals as you, then work together to make them happen.

Step 3. Give yourself a break.

To make your goal more fail-proof, don't set it up to be too difficult to achieve. Be realistic. If your goal is to eat healthier, don't make every food you enjoy off limits. Everything is better in moderation.

Step 4. Establish a support system.

Failure is more likely if the people around you are pressuring you and tempting you to fail. Make sure your friends and family are on board with your goals and lifestyle changes to ensure they won't try to steer you down the wrong path.

New goals are a great way to gain lifelong health (www.lifelonghealth.com) and lower your risk of disease. Healthy choices can be made any day, any time, so if you find yourself falling short, start again.