While Jan. 1 is just another ordinary day, many people feel the pressure to follow the “A New Year, A New You,” mantra.

People join gyms to get in shape and start diet plans. Some seek financial advice to get out of debt. Others try to quit smoking or kick another bad habit.

These all seem like reasonable and healthy New Year’s resolutions, so why is it that most of us break our self-contracts before spring has even sprung?

According to an analysis of studies spanning 40 years published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology, simply asking yourself may make you more successful in meeting your New Year’s goal.

Researchers found that people who asked themselves if they would engage in a particular behavior, and answered, “yes,” were more likely to actually follow through. The reasoning is that the question “may trigger a psychological response by prompting people to remember why something’s important, while also making them feel guilty if they don’t follow through with the behavior in question. In a desire to alleviate cognitive discomfort, people actually start that new exercise regimen,” according to the study.

So if you’re worried whether you will use your new gym membership faithfully, just ask yourself, “Will I get healthier in 2016,” and don’t forget to respond with a resounding, “Yes.”