No. 1 trick to making New Year's resolutions that stick

Welcome to GMA’s New Year, Best You. As we ring in 2019, we are sharing everything you need to start the new year strong. From keeping your New Year’s resolutions going to Instagram-worthy meal prep to workout programs to eating plans to taking time for yourself, we have it all covered.

Ann Shoket is the author of "The Big Life," a step-by-step guide to a big career, life, love and happiness. Here she shares why she chooses a "Word of the Year" to help chart her course for the New Year.

You don’t need any help making resolutions. You already have a huge to-do list of things you want to achieve in the new year.

Healthier? Check! More money in the bank? Check! Maybe more fun and adventure in your life -- as long as you have time to unwind and de-stress? Check! Check! Check!

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But it’s so easy to get distracted or lose momentum. You start out in January with great intentions, but by February, you’re flagging and back to your old ways. But I have a trick that will sustain you through the year -- even if your goals change.

I’m a big fan of choosing a Word of the Year.

It’s not your goal, it’s the thing you need to keep yourself moving forward toward your goals. It’s a mantra that helps you remember why you set those goals in the first place.

So how do you choose your word? Make a list of all your goals, big and small. Maybe you want to be more on time. Maybe you want to start a business. Maybe you want to travel more.

What do you need to keep you going? Confidence? Bravery? Focus? Fun?

(MORE: Move over, New Year's resolutions: Why you should make a 'reverse bucket list' instead)

The word shouldn’t be lofty or out of reach. It’s like a reminder bracelet -— a little trick to keep you focused.

One year, I chose "Big" as my word. It was a promise to not let anyone or anything make me feel small or unworthy. Then there was the year "Deeper" was my word as I was focused on strengthening the relationships around me in my personal and professional life.

I’ve even used Word of the Year at work to motivate my team. One year, I chose "Fast" -— the market was changing and we had to move with it. And the next year, I chose "Brave" for my team -— we were playing it safe, and we needed to remember to innovate in brave new ways.

(MORE: 'Don't set a dead person's goal' and more tips to stay on track with your New Year's resolutions)

This year, my word is "Impact."

There are so many things I want to do -— and a million steps in between to achieve my goals. It would be easy to get drained and give up. But this word is a reminder to put my energy where I can have the most IMPACT for my family, for my career, for my life.

This year, we’re all feeling so stressed. The world feels like it’s moving a mile a minute. But choosing a Word of the Year ahead gives you a chance to step out of all that stress. It’s your chance to create positivity and optimism for your next year.

I always play around with a few words for a while before I land on my Word of the Year.

Live with your options for a week or so. You’ll know when the word feels just right for you!

I’m wishing you and peace, happiness, and a BIG IMPACT for 2019!