1. WRITE DOWN YOUR RESOLUTIONS!
Committing them on paper significantly increases your chances of success.
To further increase your chance of success read your resolutions twice a day - as you wake up and just before you go to sleep that night.
Every time you read your list, visualise yourself achieving each one.
2. BE SPECIFIC ABOUT WHAT YOU WANT TO CHANGE OR ACHIEVE
Research shows that you are more likely to succeed if you are specific about your goals.
For example, if you would like to lose weight, set a targeted, measurable goal such as I want to lose 4 kgs by the end of summer or I want to fit in my old jeans in 6 months' time.
3. SHARE YOUR RESOLUTIONS WITH A FRIEND
This will make you 10% more likely to keep your resolutions.
Increase this chance by 76% and keep your friend up to date with how you are going.
4. START YOUR RESOLUTIONS ON THE FIRST DAY OF A MONTH
The first day of a month acts as the marking of a new beginnings and you will be more likely to stick to your plan.
5. TAKE IN ACCOUNT THAT THE FIRST 6 WEEKS WILL BE THE HARDEST
For a new routine or behaviour to become a habit, you need to be doing it for 6 weeks.
What are 42 days out of your life to improve the rest of your life? Stick to it and you will be proud of yourself.
6. ENSURE TO GET ENOUGH SLEEP
The physiological changes in your body that are happening when you are deprived of sleep makes it harder for you to make the right choices and you will be less likely to stick to your resolution.
Read my blog about improving sleep:
7. WORK ONLY ON CHANGING ONE ASPECT OF YOUR RESOLUTIONS (e.g. health) AT A TIME.
Your brain cannot work on too many changes at the same time, so concentrate on mastering one task or achieving one goal before you start the next one.