How do you make new year weight loss resolutions that actually work?

Keep track of your progress. Eg if it's weight loss you want, take before and after photos of your body and face, measure your arms, legs, chest, hips and most importantly waist. List the health problems you face now and see what goes away after one, two, three months.

When I was carrying 50 lbs of excess fat, I was very disgusted with myself, and that motivated me to lose weight. It worked for me, and I have successfully kept the extra weight off for almost twelve years.

Stick to them. It's called self-control. You either exercise it or you don't, there's no inbetween.