Is the gym already looking like an unattractive place? Are the cigarettes beckoning? Are you gagging to pop down to the pub for a swift pint? The next 51 weeks is a long-term commitment; so here are some suggestions to help you avoid the New Year’s resolution pitfalls!

1.  Plan Ahead

Making time to go to the gym or taking up a new hobby is to put it in you calander or diary. This is a small action, but doing so makes it more likely that you will stick to it. Perhaps make a plan with a friend to go to a gym class.

2.  Outline Your Plan

Decide how you will deal with the temptation to skip that exercise class or have that piece of cake. This could include calling on a friend for help, practicing positive thinking and self-talk, or reminding yourself how your “bad” will affect your goal.

3.  Talk About It

Don’t keep your resolution a secret. Talk is cheap; and if you tell your family, friends and colleagues they will support you. It will also make it less likely that you will succumb to jacking it in altogether. Your are more likely to succeed if you find a buddy who shares your New Year’s resolution and you can motivate each other.

4.  Get a Coach

Getting some one-on-one tuition means you are more likely to succeed. So whether that is a personal trainer at the gym, a music teacher to help you learn to play the saxophone or a dance tutor to help you learn to waltz; this will make you more likely to succeed.

4.  Reward Yourself

This doesn’t mean that you can eat an entire box of chocolates if your resolution is to eat a better diet. Instead, celebrate your success by treating yourself to something you enjoy that doesn’t contradict your resolution. Perhaps you might treat yourself to beauty treatment or going to the cinema with a friend.

5.  Track Your Progress

Keep track of each small success. Short-term goals are easier to keep. Instead of focusing on losing 30 pounds, focus on losing the first five. Keep a food journal to help you stay on track, and reward yourself for each five pounds lost.

6.  Stick to It

Experts say it takes about 21 days for a new activity to become a habit and six months for it to become part of your personality. It won’t happen overnight, so be persistent and patient!

7. Keep Trying

If you have totally run out of steam when it comes to keeping your resolution by mid-February, don’t despair. Start over again! Recommit yourself for 24 hours. You can do anything for 24 hours. The 24-hour increments will soon build on each other and, before you know it, you will be back on track.

Good luck!