by Bella Valentin

Created on: November 30, 2009

The English philosopher Henry Moore said, "I think in terms of the day's resolutions not the year's". A new year is knocking on our door and with that also our New Year resolutions. Tradition is to begin each year with a resolution of improving our lives and live in a better way. We end the past and look forward to a new year and with that a new chance to fulfill what we did not achieve during the past year. Our ambitions are normally high, and unfortunately few of us manage to keep our promises past the month of February. There are a few tips on what to do to succeed this year and achieve your New Year resolutions.

1) Be specific

Set specific goals about what you want to achieve. Don't just decide that you want to live healthier, set specific goals like; "I will go to the gym 3 times a week", instead of I will start going to the gym. When we set up specific goals, we know what we need to do, and it's easier to keep them.

2) Be realistic

Rome was not built in one day, and neither does your life change overnight. It might be the 1st of January, but you have a full year to fulfill your resolution. If your New Year resolution is like mine, to run a marathon, then don't expect to be able to do so 2 months into the New Year. Set goals that are reachable. When we set our goals to high, it is easy to be discouraged and give up, when we don't get the results that we have expected.

3) Make a plan

Make sure to create a plan for how to reach your goal. It might sound boring, as many things in our lives are planned. But we are creatures of habits, and when we have a plan or a schedule set out for us, we tend to stick to it. So get your calendars and notebooks out, and write down a plan on how to reach your New Year resolution.

4) Give yourself carrots

Set up milestones throughout the year, and give yourself an award when you have reached your goal. We all work better and feel better with ourselves when we have achieved a part of our goal. It gives us new strength and courage to keep going towards the next one.

5) Tell family and friends

Research has shown that sharing our New Year resolutions with family and friends gives a higher success rate. So spread the word, tell your family and friends about your goals. Use them for support when your own will is weak, and let them help you to reach your goals, as well as being there to celebrate with you when you have achieved them.

6) Do a Henry Moore

Think of each day as a chance to achieve your resolution. Take one step at a time to reach your goals. Celebrate your success; be kind on yourself if you one day fail. At the end of the day - each day is a new beginning, and it is never too late to start over.

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