A new year means the opportunity to make a fresh start. But don't fill your head with New Year's goals that are unachievable or filtered expectations that you see on Instagram. We jotted down a few realistic goals to keep in mind. No matter what resolutions you set, just remember to do your best.

Swap weight guilt with healthy habits

Body positivity starts with you. Instead of vowing to shed 10 pounds, take a cue from Katie and Bradford Wilcox, founders of healthyisthenewskinny.com, and vow to strive for a healthier, happier lifestyle. Small changes like swapping your second or third coffee of the day for a mug of green tea or hot water with lemon can make a big difference. Even adopting more meatless meals into your weekly rotation.

Swap big savings pressure with little savings goals

If your goal is to put a little bit more in the slush/house/renovation fund, it can be overwhelming to think of saving hundreds of dollars all at once. Instead, take a cue from this money-saving technique. The first week of January, add $1 to your savings, the second week $2, the third week $3, and so on. December can be tough when you’re putting away from $48 to $52 each week, but it’s worth it to have $1,378 in cash in your hands on December 31.

Swap complaining with gratitude

Sometimes our problems just need reframing. Of course, it's easier said than done. Try stepping away for a moment to ground yourself. And instead, think of your life as being full, even with the things you don't like, and trying (sometimes it's hard) to find the silver lining. Though, venting is good, so don't confuse venting with complaining. You've got this!

Swap feeling parental FOMO with not being fussed

Whatever the struggle is for you: screen time, making sure your fussy eater eats veggies, having a spotless kitchen like on Instagram, just keep plugging. No one is going to look at you and think you're not doing enough. And if they do, it's probably time to nix them from your life. Do your best, whether that means only serving beige foods or enthusiastically hitting “yes” when Netflix asks if you want to keep watching. #Youdoyou.

Originally published in ParentsCanada magazine, February/March 2016.