As the shine of 2013 begins to fade, many have already abandoned their New Year’s resolutions – and it’s barely even February. Pathetic? Slightly.

The ones that are most notoriously dumped are the ever-positive pledges to maintain a dutiful workout program while managing a school, work and social schedule. It’s a task so daunting that many merely give up instead of taking on the challenge.

So, how can we avoid ditching our resolutions while maintaining a demanding schedule? There are two options: (a) we don’t, or (b) we find small ways to stay motivated to make the process of balancing our lifestyles and healthy habits easier. (Hint hint, read below.)

Instead of dealing with a resolution as, well, a _resolution_, make it a priority. Think of working out as an interview. If it’s not acceptable to be a no-show to an interview, (news flash: it isn’t), then the same rule applies for a workout: don’t bail. Make it happen.

Amidst a busy schedule, motivation can wane. Enlist a friend as a workout partner/constant motivator. Whether it’s just texting each other to get off the couch, going to the gym, or making a workout video together, having someone pull a Jillian Michaels on you will “work out” in your favor.

When leaving for class, pack accordingly. Bring your workout clothes, water bottle, headphones and anything else you see fit. A trip home to grab your things will just turn into a date with Netflix, and we all know how that ends — four hours later, and you still haven’t made it to the gym. Carrying things with you will help eliminate those distractions.

In technology we trust, so make it your best friend. Apps like MyFitnessPal and Fitocracy are designed to track workouts and log the day’s caloric intake, visually laying out individual progress.

Give yourself incentive to workout. If you put forth a certain amount of effort, is it finally acceptable to buy the Jeffrey Campbell shoes that have been sitting in your online shopping cart for a month? Yes? Please?

For those days when you can’t make it to the gym, get creative at home. Plank while studying, or have a solo (or not-so-solo) dance party. Keep it interesting.

As Elle Woods once said, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy.” So stick with your resolutions, and come 2014, you’ll be happy you did.