Posted on January 16, 2015 by Kate Halsall

Be honest. Have you kept your New Year’s resolutions? If you haven’t, you won’t be alone! It’s inevitable that lot of people will make and break resolutions before the end of January. The problem is that we over commit without really preparing for the changes and events that the resolutions are going to require. We set off, all guns blazing without really considering how we’re really going to get there and without the support from our friends and families that we’ll need. So here’s the deal – if you haven’t stuck to them don’t worry (see point number 2 below) it’s never too late to start!! Here’s our advice on how to set your resolutions and stick to them.

1. You need an action plan! You need to set specific and measureable targets. Make people aware of what you’re doing so that they can support you and plan a reward for when you get to the first goalpost.

2. If you fall at the first hurdle, don’t beat yourself up about it. Perfection is unattainable! New goals aka resolutions shouldn’t be that easy – otherwise you would have done them already! You need to look at why you didn’t manage to stick to it – was it really that realistic and achievable? Then get re-motivated and read on!

3. Rather than stopping doing something cold turkey stylie why not substitute a good habit for the bad one you want to break. So rather than “I’m going to give up crisps” substitute it with “I’m going to start to eat more nuts”

4. Don’t plan too much at once. Your mantra should be baby steps, bite size chunks, and little and often. Otherwise you’ll expect instant results and only be disappointed if you don’t achieve them.

5. Think how good you will feel – and not just on completion of your resolution. But how good it will feel as your work towards it – physically and mentally. Nothing is impossible, keep reviewing your progress, but most of all DO IT NOW.