“Each person’s happiness project will be unique, but it’s the rare person who can’t benefit from starting one,” writes Gretchen Rubin in her book, “The Happiness Project.”

• Start small: Put your keys away in the same place every night.
• Think big: Repair relationships with your family.

Most importantly, decide what resolutions to make by answering the following questions:

• What makes you feel good? What activities do you find fun, satisfying, or energizing?
• What makes you feel bad? What are the sources of anger, irritation, boredom, frustration, or anxiety in your life?
• Is there any way in which you don’t feel right about your life? Do you wish you could change your job, city, family situation, or other circumstances? Are you living up to your expectations for yourself? Does your life reflect your values?
• Do you have sources of an atmosphere of growth? In what elements of your life do you find progress, learning, challenge, improvement, and increased mastery?

Once you’ve made your resolutions, find a strategy to assess your progress and hold yourself accountable.

• Record and score your resolutions.
• Keep a one-sentence journal on any topic you like.
• Identify your personal commandments: Share your happiness hacks, your Secrets of Adulthood, and any kind of list that keeps you on track.
• Create an inspiration board of your favorite books, quotes, movies, or images.
• Want to start a group for people also doing happiness projects? Send Rubin an email.

9 Tips to Make Keeping Your Resolutions Easier

1. Write it down … and be specific. Not “make more friends,” but “start a movie group, “remember birthdays,” “say hello,” “make plans.”
2. Review your resolution constantly. If your resolution is buzzing through your head, it’s easier to stick to it.
3. Hold yourself accountable. Tell people about your resolution, join or form a like-minded group, score yourself on a chart.
4. Think BIG! Maybe you need a big change, a big adventure—a trip, a break-up, a new job.
5. Think SMALL! Don’t assume that only radical change can make a difference. Cleaning your fridge can give you a real boost.
6. Break your main resolution into manageable tasks.
7. Keep your resolution every day. Weirdly, it’s often easier to do something every day (exercise, post to a blog, deal with the mail) than every few days.
8. Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Instead of training for a marathon, aim for a daily 20-minute walk. Instead of cleaning the basement, tackle one closet.
9. Consider dropping a resolution if you keep breaking it. Don’t let an unfulfilled resolution to lose 20 pounds or give up TV block you.

Learn more about Gretchen Rubin and her happiness project at gretchenrubin.com.